Water Dragon

(Physignathus lesueurii)

Live: Eastern states of Australia

Habitat: These lizards are semi-aquatic. Their habitats are the rivers and creeks of the eastern coast of Australia.

Diet: Dragons eat small live animals such as insects, spiders, frogs, snails and worms; also fruit such as figs and lilly pillies, which are similar to puriri. In coastal areas they may forage for crabs and seaweed on the shore.

Gestation: Six to 20 eggs are laid and incubated for 70 to 120 days.

Status: Common but protected

General: Second only in size to the monitors, the dragons are an impressive sight. The eastern water dragon can 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.

Breeding:  Like most reptiles, the Dragons are oviparous, which means that they lay eggs.  The parents may prey on young.