Varanus mertensi
Merten’s water monitor
DISTRIBUTION: Northern Australia (for detailed distribution data, see Auliya & Koch 2020)
RED LIST STATUS: Endangered (EN) in 2017
CITES: Appendix II
NATIONAL PROTECTION: According to the Australian EPCT Act (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act) of 1999, the commercial export of live specimens is prohibited
THREATS: The introduction of the neotropical cane toad (Rhinella marina) has resulted in severe declines of V. mertensi. This semi-aquatic Varanus species feeds mainly on amphibians, and reacts very susceptible to the cane toads toxin (their eggs and tadpoles). The exotic and invasive cane toads are considered by far the main threat to populations of V. mertensi.
RESEARCH NEEDS:
CURRENT PROJECTS:
Adult Varanus mertensi, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory; © Emma Kennedy
Adult Varanus mertensi, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory; © Emma Kennedy
Adult Varanus mertensi, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory; © Emma Kennedy
Adult Varanus mertensi, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory; © John Eichler
Adult Varanus mertensi, Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory; © John Eichler
Adult Varanus mertensi, Northern Territory; © Bryn Pickering