Mertens's Water Monitor

Mertens's water monitor lives beside rivers and wetlands in northern Australia. Its dark body has pale spots, and a strongly flattened, keeled tail helps it swim. It is maintained and bred by monitor specialists. Captive housing combines a substantial clean-water area with dry land, strong climbing structures, sheltered retreats and a basking area; females also need suitable land for nesting. Its animal-based diet includes aquatic prey. Females lay eggs. International trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II.