Eastern water dragon fact sheet | Field of Mars EEC

What are eastern water dragons?

Eastern water dragons are large Australian lizards that are often seen near creeks, rivers, ponds and bushland. Their scientific name is Intellagama lesueurii. The Darug Peoples of Sydney refer to lizards as deregal. These reptiles are well known for their long tails, strong legs and spiky crest running from the back of the head down the neck and body. Males are usually larger than females and often have brighter markings and bigger heads.

Eastern water dragons live along the east coast of Australia, including around Sydney. They are common in parks, gardens, waterways and bushland reserves. Students visiting places such as Field of Mars Reserve or Lane Cove National Park may see them basking on rocks, sitting beside water or quickly running away when disturbed.

These lizards are excellent climbers and swimmers. If threatened, they can sprint on their back legs, leap into water and stay underwater for long periods to escape predators. Their alert behaviour and prehistoric appearance make them one of the most recognisable reptiles in eastern Australia.

An eastern water dragon.

Eastern water dragons have long tails, strong claws and spines along their back.

Where do eastern water dragons live?

Eastern water dragons live along the east coast of Australia from Victoria to Queensland. They are strongly connected to freshwater habitats and are commonly found near creeks, rivers, wetlands, lakes and dams. These reptiles spend much of their time close to water where they can escape predators and find food.

In Sydney, eastern water dragons are often seen in bushland reserves, suburban parks and gardens with water nearby. Students visiting Field of Mars Reserve or Lane Cove National Park may spot them basking in sunny areas beside walking tracks or perched on logs and rocks near creeks. They shelter in dense vegetation, hollow logs, rocky crevices and tree branches when resting or hiding from danger.

Eastern water dragons are often found beside freshwater habitats.

Eastern water dragons may use burrows and sheltered places during colder weather.

What do eastern water dragons eat?

Eastern water dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. They feed on insects, spiders, worms and other small invertebrates. Larger dragons may also catch frogs, fish or small reptiles. They sometimes forage around picnic areas or gardens where food scraps are available.

These reptiles also eat flowers, leaves, berries and fallen fruit. Young eastern water dragons usually eat more insects because protein helps them grow quickly. By feeding on many different foods, eastern water dragons play an important role in local food webs and help control insect populations.

Eastern water dragons search for insects and other small animals near waterways.

What is the life cycle of eastern water dragons?

Eastern water dragons breed during the warmer months of the year. After mating, females dig burrows in sunny soil or sandy areas where they lay clutches of eggs. Warm temperatures help the eggs develop underground. Hatchlings emerge several months later during summer or early autumn.

Young eastern water dragons are small and vulnerable to predators including birds, snakes and larger reptiles. They grow quickly and gradually develop the stronger bodies, longer tails and spiny crests seen in adults. Eastern water dragons may live for many years if they can avoid predators, habitat loss and road dangers.

Young eastern water dragons are smaller and more vulnerable than adults.

What adaptations do eastern water dragons have to help them survive?

Eastern water dragons have many adaptations that help them survive in changing environments. Their strong claws help them climb trees, rocks and rough surfaces. Their long muscular tails help with balance while climbing and swimming. Their rough scales provide protection and help reduce water loss.

These reptiles are fast and alert animals. If threatened, they can run quickly on their back legs before diving into water. They can remain underwater for up to an hour while hiding from predators. Their colouring helps camouflage them against rocks, bark and leaf litter. Eastern water dragons also bask in the sun to warm their bodies because reptiles rely on external heat to stay active.

Eastern water dragons use camouflage to hide among leaf litter and vegetation.

Why are eastern water dragons important?

Eastern water dragons are important members of Australian ecosystems. They help control insect populations by feeding on many small animals. They are also prey for larger predators such as birds of prey, snakes and mammals, making them part of local food webs.

These reptiles are also important for helping people learn about native wildlife and healthy freshwater habitats. Seeing eastern water dragons in local bushland can show that waterways and surrounding vegetation are providing suitable habitat for native animals. In Sydney, they are one of the reptiles most commonly noticed by students exploring natural areas.

Eastern water dragons are part of bushland and freshwater food webs.

How can you help eastern water dragons?

People can help eastern water dragons by protecting bushland, waterways and wetland habitats. Healthy creeks with native plants provide shelter, food and safe nesting areas. Rubbish and pollution can damage the habitats these reptiles depend on.

Students can help by staying on walking tracks, keeping waterways clean and observing wildlife from a distance. Pet dogs and cats should be supervised around bushland because they can injure native reptiles. Drivers should also slow down near bushland roads where eastern water dragons may cross to reach water or nesting sites.

Protecting ponds, creeks and native vegetation helps eastern water dragons survive.

Related fact sheets

More reptile fact sheets

• Reptiles fact sheet – Learn about the features and adaptations of reptiles.
• Eastern blue-tongued lizard fact sheet – Discover another large reptile commonly found in Sydney.
• Red-bellied black snake fact sheet – Explore a reptile that shares similar bushland habitats.

Habitats and ecosystems

• Wetlands fact sheet – Discover freshwater habitats that support reptiles and other wildlife.
• Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet – Learn about this local bushland environment.

Animals that share this habitat

• Eastern snake-necked turtle fact sheet – Find out about another reptile that lives near freshwater habitats.
• Eastern water skink fact sheet – Learn about a smaller reptile that lives near creeks, gardens and wetland edges.
• Striped marsh frog fact sheet – Explore an amphibian often found near creeks and wetlands.

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