Class: Reptilia
Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Diet: Carnivore
Weight: Up to 380g
Height: Up to 110cm
Reproduction: Egg-laying
Status: Not listed
Mertens’ water monitors are carnivorous, preferring fish, frogs and small mammals but will also eat insects, lizard and carrion (roadkill). These monitors have a very good sense of smell and often dig up prey when foraging for food.
As a semi-aquatic lizard species, Mertens’ water monitors can remain underwater for several minutes with the help of a special nostril valve that shuts tightly when submerged.
The introduced can toad is a major threat to the Mertens’ water monitor as they compete for food. Monitors can also be poisoned by toxins if a toad is ingested.