Escaped Mertens in Melbourne

[cbo_x]

Hey guys. I'm currently away from home at uni but my brother gave me the news that my Mertens' water monitor managed to break out of its enclosure in Dandenong (Melbourne). The tank was kept outside so it has escaped into the garden or neighbourhood. I have already told the local vet and the immediate neighbours, but I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to who else I should contact in this case to be notified if a monitor is found, and also what the prospects of survival are? It it about a meter long snout to tail-tip and the temperatures are expected to swing between 15-25 over the next few days.

Any ways to bait it back? I've asked my brother to leave a fake nest of chicken eggs in the hope that it will raid it, but I'm not optimistic.

I've attached a picture of it when I got it about a month ago.

Thanks

 

[GeckoJosh]

I can't give you any advice but best of luck!

 

[CaptainRatbag]

Same ^

Whew! I misread the title to start with.... I thought you said 'escaped martians in melbourne' :shock:

 

[disintegratus]

If it's possible, you could set up a heated hide or similar in the back yard, leave it on over night with some stinky food near it, that might entice him home? If not, tell your neighbours to watch their chickens!

 

[Chris]

I would expect that it'll be okay with those temps over the next few days, I'm not sure how Mertens go without water though. No idea though whether or not you'll find it, I can't see any baiting techniques being successful. I would letterbox drop the whole neighbourhood informing people of your contact details & not to harm it (we all know what some people are like with reptiles). Maybe also post a reward?

What are all the white marks on it's back?

 

[JasonL]

What are all the white marks on it's back?

They look like burns or injuries of some sort?

 

[Chris]

Yeah they look like burns to me too.

 

[cbo_x]

Thanks for the advice and support. I was told the marks on its back were from when it scarred itself in a previous escape attempt at the shop where it was being sold

 

[Womagaunt]

Thanks for the advice and support. I was told the marks on its back were from when it scarred itself in a previous escape attempt at the shop where it was being sold

Was that at amazing amazon? i remember seeing a picture of one like this haha

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[spongebob]

My guess would be that water should act an an attractant. In the wild these guys leap into water when distrurbed so feel much more secure near water. So if the neighbours have a pond keep a watchful eye out. Might be good to fill up a kiddie paddling pool in your backyard with a branch across the top.

 

[cbo_x]

Was that at amazing amazon? i remember seeing a picture of one like this haha

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Haha yeah that's the one.

Also thanks spongebob I will try that. Myself and two of my neighbours have ponds so I'll ask my brother to ask them about it. Water might be too cool for its liking though.

 

[CaptainRatbag]

What are all the white marks on it's back?

Brick marks? Oh, sorry, wrong thread :lol:

 

[Wally]

Black Snake Productions (varanid_mike on here) does the Lost Reptiles Home out your way. Maybe get in touch with him in case someone hands it in.

 

[cbo_x]

Black Snake Productions (varanid_mike on here) does the Lost Reptiles Home out your way. Maybe get in touch with him in case someone hands it in.

Thanks for that, will do.