Mitchell's Water Monitor

About the Mitchell's Water Monitor

Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli) is a semiaquatic species of monitor lizard in the family Varanidae. The species is native to Australia, where it is found in the northern regions. It is on the IUCN Red List as a "Critically Endangered" species. It can be distinguished by the orange or yellow stripes along its neck and dark spots along its back. It is mainly carnivorous and eats small prey such as lizard, birds, and insects.

The specific name, mitchelli, as well as the common name, Mitchell's water monitor, are in honor of Australian herpetologist Francis John Mitchell (1929–1970) of the South Australian Museum. The generic name, Varanus, is a Latinization of the Arabic word for monitor lizard, waran. The species (along with other Australian monitor lizard species) is colloquially referred to as a goanna in Australia, a name which likely came from the word iguana as the lizards looked like the iguanas of South America to the first European settlers of Australia.

Mitchell's water monitor reaches a total length (tail included) of up to 70 cm (28 in). It has a long, slender neck and a pointed head. It is generally dark brown or black and has... Wikipedia →