[14] Mitchell's water monitor grows to an over 2 feet in length and requires a large bioactive enclosure,; recommendations of 8x4x4 ft are not uncommon, especially if attempting to breed.

Providing a seasonal environment and food to mimic natural behaviors is said to be the best onset for breeding; however, these requirements can be difficult to achieve and reduces their appearance in captivity.

Mitchell's water monitor preys on smaller animals of both terrestrial and aquatic origin.

Its prey includes smaller lizards, small mammals, nestling birds, reptile eggs, and terrestrial invertebrates (orthopterans, arachnids, beetles, etc.).

[16] The current most significant threat to Mitchell's water monitor is the spread of cane toads across the Northern Territory in Australia.

Other threats to Mitchell's water monitor include habitat loss due to land clearing, habitat degradation and change due to climate change and deaths occurring from contact with humans (such as death on roads).

[7] Mitchell's water monitor have also been reported to be exported live to be sold in global markets.

[19] According to the IUCN Red List, Mitchell's water monitor is currently classified as critically endangered.

[12] The decrease of Mitchell's water monitor following the introduction of cane toads to Australia has been estimated to be as high as 97% after only three years.

[20] At Kakadu National Park, almost the entire population of Mitchell's water monitor was taken out by the arrival of cane toads; however, a 2020 survey of the area found some individuals of the species.

[21] Despite this, the species has persisted at many habitat spots; however, as sightings are rare, there is no current estimate on the number of individuals in each population of Mitchell's water monitor.

[8] The Northern Territory Government has set up the Island Arks program to help the conservation of species affected by the cane toads.