The first description of the species emerged from analysis of rock monitors found in the Pilbara region in the north-west of Australia, published in 2014.

[2] The study found distinction in coloration and molecular variation that indicated divergence in the southern group that justified separation from Varanus glauerti as a new species.

[2] A species of Varanus somewhat resembling V. glauerti, found to north, although darker, with whitish eye-spot markings at the upper surface.

[2] The species is restricted to rocky and steep terrain of the Hamersley Range of Western Australia.

[4][3] They are associated with a variety of vegetation, often eucalyptus trees and clumps of spinifex, on banded ironstone formations with deep gorges and steep cliff-faces.