Cape York Video Part 2

I think your right, this was shot a few years ago and I can’t remember where I got the description from.
I’m no expert and I hate getting too technical in my script but feel I have to say something.

Thanks for telling me, I now notice that the Sand Goanna has more stripes in the patterning. It this a clue in identifying ?

Steve

Hi Steve,
I believe that the colouring on Mertens Water Monitors is generally more uniform, - either grey, or a twotone yellow/brown and any pattern being far more muted. Tail may be a little 'flatter' too, to assist with swimming?
Have seen far more Sand Goannas, lived close to a number of them for a while. All heavily patterned & very often (but not always) with a plain yellow tail tip.

First pic is a Mertens taken in the Kimberley last year. 2nd is a pic from 2009 taken at Edith Falls, near Katherine, NT. 3rd Pic is a sand goanna (named 'Hoover') taken a few weeks ago in SW.Cape York.

Thanks for the photos, that makes it very clear.
While were talking about goannas do you think I could call this is a Sand goanna, it’s in a future episode.
Steve

Watch this bloke if you want to know a bit about reptiles https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdHWU4AT0Gpyxloc_owUAEg
He has just done some Cape York videos

I think so Steve. The colouring looks right for a Sand Goanna. Photos can be deceiving. At first I thought the foot didn't look right due to 'lack of black claws', but when I looked at the following photos of the same animal, taken just minutes apart, from different angles, I was more confident in saying yours is a Sand (Goulds) Goanna. I'd guess your 'sleepy' goanna has been looking for bird eggs in the hollow.