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MERTENS' WATER

MONITOR

Varanus mertensi

Fascinating Fact: This monitor lizard has a forked tongue.
When the tongue is rapidly flicked in and out, it collects
chemicals from the environment that are delivered to receptors
in the mouth that are connected to the brain. A forked tongue
is better at sampling these chemicals. BLACK-BREASTED
The semi-aquatic Australian lizard can grow to a length of
3.3 feet. It lives on land and can be found basking on river rocks LEAFTURTLE
or on branches stretching over water. It is also at home in water
where it is propelled forward by a long, powerful tail and its Geoemyda spengleri
nostrils are sealed while diving. It can also remain submerged
under water with only its nostrils peeking out. Fascinating Fact: It’s named for the dark coloring on the shell’s
It preys on fish, frogs, crabs, insects, birds, and small mam- underside and its leaf-like appearance, which help it blend in
mals. Using long claws, it digs up turtle and crocodile eggs with leaf litter on the forest floor.
and digs burrows in the sand where it shelters and lays its eggs. Only about 4 inches long, this turtle inhabits forests and
Although this monitor has few predators, it is endangered. freshwater wetlands of Vietnam and China. Large, bulging eyes
In 1935, cane toads from Central and South America were move independently from each other, which helps the turtle
imported to control insects. The large, invasive toads compete track prey and avoid becoming prey itself. It eats fruit, insects,
with the monitors for prey and their toxins poison the monitors and other invertebrates. The turtle and its eggs provide food
that eat them. for other animals and the seeds in its feces germinate into

new plants.
Habitat loss and capture for the illegal pet trade have caused
the turtle to become endangered. CZS participates in AZA’s
Black-breasted Leaf Turtle Species Survival Plan (SSP).

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