Mertens' water monitor
Mertens' water monitor | |
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Smithsonian National Zoological Park
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Varanidae |
Genus: | Varanus |
Subgenus: | Varanus |
Species: | V. mertensi
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Binomial name | |
Varanus mertensi Glauert, 1951
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Mertens' water monitor (Varanus mertensi), often misspelled Mertin's water monitor, is a
Description
Mertens' water monitor grows to a total length (including tail) of about 2.0 m (6.6 ft). It is dark brown to black above, with many cream to yellow spots. The underparts are paler – white to yellowish – with grey mottling on the throat and blue-grey bars on the chest. The tail is strongly compressed laterally, with a high median dorsal keel, and is about 1.5 times the length of head and body.[4]
Amongst all monitor species, including the water monitors of Soterosaurus, Mertens' water monitor is morphologically the most well adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, being able to seal its upwards facing nostrils when underwater.[5] It is capable of swallowing prey underwater, which is an ability not reported in any other monitor species other than the Borneo earless monitor (Lanthanotus borneensis).[6] It is also the only monitor species reported capable of using its sense of smell to locate and capture prey underwater.[7]
Distribution and habitat
Mertens' water monitor is found in coastal and inland waters across much of northern Australia, from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, across the Top End of the Northern Territory and the Gulf Country, to the western side of the Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland.[4]
Behaviour
Mertens' water monitor is semiaquatic, a strong swimmer, and seldom far from water. It is often seen basking on midstream rocks and logs, and on branches overhanging swamps, lagoons, and waterways throughout its range. When disturbed, it drops into the water, where it can stay submerged for long periods.[4] It has been observed sleeping underwater.[5]
Feeding
Mertens' water monitor feeds both on land and in the water, mainly on
Breeding
Mertens' water monitor lays eggs in a burrow, usually with egg-laying taking place early in the dry season and hatching in the following wet season. The eggs hatch within 200–300 days after laying, depending on temperature, with the hatchlings able to enter the water and swim immediately.[9][10]
Conservation and status
Mertens’ water monitor is threatened by the spread of
Gallery
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Portrait of Mertens' water monitor in the Northern Territory
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Mertens' water monitor at the Grotto waterhole near Wyndham, Western Australia
References
- . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
- ^ Mayes, Phillip James (2006). The ecology and behaviour of Varanus mertensi (Reptilia: Varanidae) (Dissertation submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy). Perth, Western Australia: Faculty of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University.
- ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Varanus mertensi, p. 176).
- ^ ISBN 0-589-50108-9.
- ^ ISBN 978-3-89624-290-7.
- ^ Mendyk, Robert; Shuter, Avishai; Kathriner, Andrew (2015). "Historical Notes on a Living Specimen of Lanthanotus borneensis (Squamata: Sauria: Lanthanotidae) Maintained at the Bronx Zoo from 1968 to 1976". BIAWAK. 9 (2): 44–49.
- ^ ISSN 1035-3712.
- ^ "Varanus Mertensi".
- ^ a b c "Threatened Species of the Northern Territory: Mertens Water Monitor" (PDF). Simon Ward, John Woinarski, Tony Griffiths and Lindley McKay (compilers). Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Northern Territory. November 2006. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 October 2009. Retrieved 10 January 2010.
- ^ OzAnimals.com: Mertens’ Water Monitor.