Eastern Water Dragon

Physignathus lesueurii

• Distribution:
  Eastern coast of Australia
• Habitat:
  This species is semi-aquatic and live along rivers and creeks. With their sharp claws, they are able to climb tress and often lie on branches overhanging water.
• Diet:
  In the wild, they eat small live animals like insects, spiders, frogs, snails and worms, and some fruit and plant material. In the Zoo, they are fed insects and chopped fruit and vegetables.
• Gestation:
  Like most reptiles, the Dragons are oviparous, which means that they lay eggs. Six to 20 eggs are laid and incubated for 70 to 120 days. The parents may prey on young.
• Longetivity:
  Live around 30 years
• Predators:
  Snakes, cats, dogs, foxes and humans
• Conservation status:
   
  Common but protected
• General:

  Second only in size to the monitors, the dragons are an impressive sight and members of this species may grow to one metre in length.

  Able to climb trees with its sharp claws, the water dragon often lies on branches overhanging water. When disturbed, they simply drop into the water to escape. They are believed to be able to stay under water for 90 minutes.

  Unlike many lizards, it is possible to tell the sexes apart, based on external features. The male is larger and more robust, has a pronounced crest and a red chest.

   

  If they bob their heads or wave at you, that is natural behaviour too. It means "go away!"

  Over winter reptiles may stop feeding and remain inactive until warmer weather returns – this is called brumation.