The recently described Dampier Peninsula monitor (Varanus sparnus) is the smallest known species of monitor lizards, growing up to 16.3 grams with a length of almost 23 cm and a SVL (snout to vent length) of 116 mm. It is believed to live only in the Dampier Peninsula of the Kimberley region north of Broome and Derby in Western Australia. It is highly active making it difficult to photograph in the wild.