Black-headed tree monitor

Black-headed tree monitor
Varanus tristis

Growing up to 80cm in length, the black-headed tree monitor is the smallest of our monitor species.

Not only are they smaller than the Gould's monitor, they are also a lot less colourful. While their name implies that they have black heads (or even black tails, when referred to as ‘black-tailed monitors’), our population – like those around Perth – tend to be almost fully black in colouration.

The black-headed tree monitor is a great climber and more often than not, you’ll spot these particular lizards hanging out on the side of a tree. In fact, like many of our resident natives, they like to shelter in tree hollows, but can also be found sheltering under tree bark or in rocky crevices.

Unfortunately, with tree hollows in the Park in short supply, we need to install artificial hollows in different sizes and shapes to suit the varied tastes of our native wildlife.