Analysis of DNA samples from Rosenberg’s Goannas has revealed a promising preliminary result – an indication of notable genetic distance between those from the disjunct eastern occurrence in NSW and the ACT, and the main occurrence in WA, SA and western Vic.
The eastern goannas are larger, coloured differently and behave differently.
The analysis was undertaken as part of the citizen science project part-funded by NPA ACT to improve understanding of habitat use and movements of Rosenberg’s Goanna (Varanus rosenbergi) in several areas of the ACT.