Came across this pair of exhibitionist Mertens’ Water Monitors making more Mertens’ Water Monitors in Litchfield National Park. They took little notice of me, practically posing for their photoshoot. It was like they wanted this intimate moment immortalised… and then, I assume, posted on social media?

But realistically, we desperately need these reptiles to do as much bonking as possible. Mertens’ Water Monitors used to be very common across the Top End prior to the introduction of cane toads, but their populations have since decreased dramatically – even being wiped out entirely in certain areas, like North Queensland’s Iron Range. Consequently, they are considered endangered by the IUCN and their populations are deemed to still be decreasing.

Here’s hoping to a brighter future for these beautiful lizards.

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Mertens’ Water Monitors (Varanus mertensi), Litchfield National Park, Australia