Check out Australia Zoo’s Mertens’ Water Monitor!

Don’t miss our awesome lizards right here at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. You can spot the magnificent Mertens’ water monitor all day long. They are frequently observed sun baking and exploring their home, so keep your camera ready!

These water-loving monitors are found throughout northern Australia, frequenting waterways such as rivers, creeks, billabongs and lagoons.

These impressive reptiles are perfectly designed for aquatic hunting! They are able to close their nostrils underwater and with their long powerful tail, they propel themselves forward in search of fish, frogs and crabs! On land, they can also prey upon small mammals, birds, eggs and even insects.

Their neutral, earthy colouration is perfect for camouflaging from prey and predators alike. When feeling threatened, they will slide into the water to seek refuge under logs and rocks. They can hold their breath underwater for an impressive 30 minutes. Crikey!

The Mertens’ water monitor is well adapted to the harsh northern Australian environment. However, they are unfortunately threatened by the introduction of species such as the toxic cane toad. One bite of a toad by a monitor will spell death for the lizard.  Sadly, this beautiful reptile is considered an endangered species.