Monitor Lizard

The spotted tree monitor, and black-headed monitor are arboreal reptiles found in the northern Australian tropics. Both species spend much time climbing trees for prey, mainly consisting of insect and small reptiles.

However, monitor lizards are known to sometimes take smaller animals (mammals and birds) as food! They commonly shelter in tree hollows, preferring narrow spaces and are often found on dead trees.

Description

The spotted tree monitor body colour varies from green to grey to black but with numerous cream spots. The black-headed monitor is a larger species that also has lighter patterning on the top of its body.

How to identify

When looking at camera images you do not need to identify between the species. Just look for the texture of scales and a light cream pattern on the top of the body.