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MERTENS’ WATER MONITOR
Varanus mertensi

Amphibious life
Mertens’ Water Monitors can remain under water for several minutes with the help of a special nostril valve that shuts tightly when submerged. 

Toad-ally invasive
The introduced cane toad is a major threat to the Mertens’ Water Monitor as they compete for food sources. Monitors can also be poisoned by toxins if a toad is ingested.
To see this species in the wild, we suggest Lakefield National Park, Queensland.

CLASS: Reptilia
LIFESPAN: Up to 30 years
DIET: carnivore
LENGTH: Up to 110cm
RERODUCTION: Egg-laying
STATUS¹: Not listed
¹Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation