In 1980, a single specimen of a “tree monitor” was recovered from Halmahera, Indonesia. In 2005, it was determined that the specimen had originally been misidentified and the holotype specimen was actually an unidentified species. This newly discovered species was named, Varanus zugorum, common name Zug’s Monitor. This animal has never been rediscovered in the wild and has now been listed as one of the 25 Most Wanted Animals by Global Wildlife Conservation. In this episode, Scott Trageser of The Biodiversity Group tells us about an expedition he has planned with an aim of re-discovering the species. Armed with new, fascinating technology, including a DNA-inhaling drone and an advanced 3D scanner as well as past experience discovering new species, Scott and his team are determined to cross the Zug’s monitor off the 25 Most Wanted Animals list. 

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