What is mitchell's water monitor?

Mitchell's water monitor (Varanus mitchelli) is a species of large monitor lizard found in northern Australia and New Guinea. It is also known as the Mitchell's goanna or the Mitchell's monitor.

Adults can grow up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) in length and can weigh up to 20 kg (44 lb). They have distinctive black and yellow patterns on their skin, which help to camouflage them in their natural habitat. They are semi-aquatic and are usually found near rivers, wetlands, and other bodies of water. They are excellent swimmers and can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes.

Mitchell's water monitor is a carnivorous predator that feeds on a variety of prey including fish, frogs, lizards, birds, and small mammals. They are important predators in their ecosystem and help to control populations of smaller animals.

This species is not currently considered threatened, but habitat loss and poaching for the exotic pet trade are potential threats to their long-term survival. They are protected by law in Australia and trade in wild-caught specimens is prohibited.