Description
Scientific name: Varanus mitchelli
Life span: 10 years
Mitchell’s water monitor may grow as long as 70 cm. It features a pointed head and a long, thin neck. Its color is often dark brown or black, and it has little white and yellow spots covering its head and limbs, also yellow stripes and ocelli with dark centers, along with a few spots down its side. The skin is wrinkly and has a rough texture. It has a delicate cream tint on the bottom.
Native Region/Habitat
Mitchell’s water monitor lives in swamps, inland rivers, lagoons, and other bodies of water, and is frequently seen on trees close to the water. It has a range that stretches from Western Australia’s Kimberley to the Northern Territory and into the far northwest of Queensland.
Behavior
For the purpose of protection, Mitchell’s water monitor loves to climb trees and hide in bark or hollows. It will go toward the water if it is startled. It likes to soak up the sun on the rocks along the water bodies. Mitchell’s water monitor feeds on both aquatic and terrestrial prey. Smaller lizards, small animals, reptile eggs, nesting birds, and terrestrial invertebrates are among its prey. Crabs, fish, and frogs are examples of aquatic prey. During the rainy season, its food changes seasonally due to flooding.
Care As a pet/In captivity
Mitchell’s water monitor is said to be anxious and shy. It is seldom maintained in captivity. It typically lays 3 to 11 eggs in a clutch, while they have been known to lay around 20 when kept in captivity. They must be kept in a big, elevated enclosure with hot temperatures and lots of hiding spots both above and on the surface. In general, they get along nicely with each other, yet they could bother small or weaker lizards.
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