Water Dragon
- Family: Agamidae (dragons)
- Genus: Intellagama
- Type: Semi-aquatic lizard
- Average Size: 60 to 80 cm in length
- Distribution: Found along the eastern coast of Australia, particularly in moist habitats near rivers, creeks, and wetlands
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on insects, small invertebrates, fruits, and plants
DID YOU KNOW: Water Dragons are exceptional swimmers and can stay submerged for several minutes at a time. If threatened, they often dive into the water and swim away to safety, making them difficult to catch or disturb once they’re in their element. Click here to see our most common callouts. Click this link to learn some interesting facts about the Water Dragon.
How to Identify a Bandy-Bandy Snake In Australia
The Water Dragon is a striking, medium-sized lizard with an elongated body and a long tail. Its coloration is primarily green to brown, with subtle patterns of darker stripes running down its back, creating a camouflaged appearance that helps it blend into its natural surroundings. The head is triangular with large, expressive eyes, and it features a distinctive crest of spiny, comb-like scales along the back of the neck. Adult Water Dragons can grow up to 1 meter in length, including their tail, making them one of Australia’s more prominent lizard species.
Where Water Dragons Live In Australia
Water Dragons are commonly found in the eastern regions of Australia, including parts of New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. They are often seen in moist environments near freshwater sources such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. Water Dragons are highly adaptable, and while they primarily inhabit riparian zones, they can also be found in urban parks and gardens, especially those close to water. These lizards are excellent swimmers and climbers, frequently basking on rocks or tree branches along the water’s edge.
Are Bandy-Bandy Snakes In Australia Dangerous?
Water Dragons are non-venomous and not dangerous to humans. They are generally peaceful and prefer to flee when threatened rather than confront an intruder. However, they have sharp claws and strong jaws, so they may bite or scratch in self-defense if cornered or provoked. Their bites can be painful but are not life-threatening. These lizards pose no danger to people, but they should not be handled or approached closely in the wild.
Bandy-Bandy Snakes In Australia Safety Tips
If you encounter a Water Dragon, keep a safe distance and avoid attempting to handle it. If one enters your property, ensure pets are kept away to avoid any potential interaction. Water Dragons are often attracted to water sources, so if you live near a pond or stream, consider keeping your yard clear of food scraps or debris that might attract them. If you need to move a Water Dragon from your property, contact a professional wildlife handler for assistance.