Although the species was first described in 1988 by Wolfgang Böhme et al. under the name Varanus yemensis, specimens have been collected since the late 19th century to be held by the British Museum by 1903.

The discovery was made in an odd manner: two years before the first description Wolfgang Böhme recognized a yet undescribed species of monitor lizard filmed in a TV documentary about nature in Yemen.

The animals live mainly in savannah-like areas or lighter forests, of which the soil mostly consists of sand and stones.

[4] The nasal, temporal and parietal area is swollen, the oblique and slit-like nostril sits right in front of the eyes.

Yemen monitor are dark brown and striped with lines that are more or less pronounced depending on the individual.