What is an eastern water dragon?
The eastern water dragon is a large lizard found along creeks, rivers and lakes of eastern Australia. It is often seen basking on rocks and branches beside water, even in city parks.
Eastern water dragons can grow to about one metre long, including their long, powerful tail. They have grey-brown bodies with dark bands, and adult males develop red or orange chests during the breeding season.
They are excellent swimmers and climbers. When disturbed, they often drop from an overhanging branch into the water and can stay submerged for an hour or more.
City lizards
Water dragons are common in places such as Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. Research has found that city populations are becoming more used to people, and some differ genetically from nearby populations.
They eat insects, spiders, small animals, fruit and flowers.
Females lay eggs in shallow burrows, and the temperature of the nest affects the sex of the hatchlings.
Did You Know?
The Gippsland water dragon, a subspecies, lives in eastern Victoria and southeastern New South Wales.