The past, present, and future of South East Asian varanid lizards: Using palaeobiology to inform conservation planning.

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The varanid lizards of South East Asia are some of the world's largest reptiles, including the largest living lizard (Varanuskomodoensis) and even larger extinct relatives (V. prisca). Current populations of South East Asian varanids representrelics of once widespread species that played important roles in ecosystems as large predators. To ensure the continuedsurvival of South East Asian varanids and the health of associated ecosystems, efforts need to be made to assess theimpact of their loss on ecosystems, identify species/ areas at particular high risk from human activities, and identify sitesfor reintroductions, translocation, and rewilding of species across their historic ranges. In this project I aim to assess thecurrent and historic ranges and niches of South East Asian varanids (with a particular focus on Indonesia) usingEcological Niche Models (ENMs). I will construct paleoENMs using a conservation palaeobiology approach. I willconstruct current ENMs using existing data and fieldwork assessments. I will then combine this data with projections ofenvironmental change to: A) identify areas within the current ranges of South East Asia varanids that may becomeunsuitable for species; and B) identify areas within the historic range of South East Asian varanids that are/ will becomesuitable sites for the reintroduction/ translocation of the species.