Mertens’ are semi-aquatic reptiles that can be found in the coastal and inland waters throughout most of tropicail parts of northern Australia. (From as far west as the Kimberly region of W.A through the top of N.T and across to Cape York in Queensland.) They are strong swimmers and can remain submerged for long periods of time. The Mertens’ has become endangered in its natural habitat due to the increasing number of cane toads in the region. Click Here to read more about the cane toad threat.

Temperatures And Rainfall

Temperatures around the Mertens’ habitat in summer are on average around 31°C to 35°C . With night time temps falling to 17°C as as low as 7°C in winter. The dry season day remains dry and humid whist the wet season brings monsoon rains which replenish the fauna and turn the just flowing creeks into rivers and waterfalls.

Area Summary.

The water ways of northern Australia consist of rock pools, billabongs, creeks and rivers. Trees srubs and grasslands surround the wet areas and the Mertens’ will often be seen basking on rocks or logs but are never to far from water.
Dry but humid environment
Rock pools and ponds
Logs, and Large basking rocks
Sandy gravel or grassy surface.

Nature:

Like all large monitors Mertens’ are very strong and have powerful jaws and tails.
The mertens’ claws are not as sharp as land monitors, they are more thicker making them a little easier to handle. Mertens’ Monitors appear to have a more docile friable temperament and would rather just get away from you than bite you. They can become quite trusting in you over time and juveniles are a good choice for a first monitor. They are capable of climbling and digging and have a very good sense of smell

Size:

Up to 1.2 m

Food:

Being semi aquatic Mertens’ love fish they will also eat frogs carrion, and will catch vertebrates and insects when needed. They will also seek out and dig up eggs.
More to come soon………………….