Male combat includes both animals siding up to each other on the ground so that each animal has its head next to its opponent’s hip area. The Eastern Water Dragon Physignathus lesueurii is about half a metre long with rough scales, sharp spines and ancient features that resemble fairytale dragons.. Australian water dragons are social and aggregate in groups in areas of suitable habitat. During spring and summer, Water Dragons of all ages and sizes can be seen in the various riparian environments they inhabit - basking on riverbanks and rocks, lounging in trees, swimming, as well as foraging for food on land. Before the end of the battle both opponents will have wounds from biting and scratching on their hips and necks. Enlarged spinose scales are also present across the lateral surface, unevenly distributed amongst regular keeled scales. It is not a friendly wave. The Eastern Water Dragon is one of two subspecies of Australian water dragon, the other being the Gippsland Water Dragon (Physignathus lesueurii howittii). Not listed as threatened in any state or territory. Water dragons need very large enclosures, with a large water area for swimming and appropriate furnishings. The Australian Museum respects and acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the land and waterways on which the Museum stands. Juvenile Water Dragons have also been observed feeding on mosquitoes which they will jump in the air to catch. They are semi-aquatic and live along the east coast of Australia around creeks, rivers or lakes. Females dig a burrow and lay up to 24 eggs per clutch, and up to 9 clutches per year. Water dragons living in cooler Australian climates brumate (hibernate) over winter. Types of vegetation reportedly consumed include figs, lilly-pilly fruits, and other fruits and flowers. This species is protected in Australia. On the front was a … In a melamine style you will need to provide them with a large water bowl to swim in. They have long powerful limbs and claws for climbing, a long muscular laterally-compressed tail for swimming, and prominent nuchal and vertebral crests. When to see them at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Go. The timing of breeding is determined by the onset of warmer weather in spring which occurs sooner in populations inhabiting northern Queensland and later in populations living in Gippsland. This species will need around 70 percent humidity levels at all times. Water Dragons are usually active in the Sydney region from September to June, becoming inactive during the cooler months. 5 … Their breeding season occurs during spring. All water dragons can run very quickly and will even drop into the water and remain submerged for up to 90 minutes when threatened. They brumate in burrows between boulders and logs in or near riverbanks. In the Sydney region, the breeding season begins in September, when courtship and mating begins, and concludes in January when the last clutches of eggs are laid. FAQ - Water Dragon facts. They are able to swim totally submerged, and rest on the bottom of shallow creeks or lakes for up to 90 minutes, to avoid detection. Bearded dragons may have originally come from the Australian outback’s deserts, but just like any other animal, they need water too. Water Dragon exit strategy 1. In this section, find out everything you need to know about visiting the Australian Museum, how to get here and the extraordinary exhibitions on display. Watching an animal eat can be a huge part of an adventure. A … A recent taxonomic review concluded that the Australian species of Physignathus shows enough differing characteristics to classify it in its own genus, since Physignathus was first assigned to P. cocincinus, a new genus hand to be created for the Australian Water Dragons. Inland Bearded dragons reach sexual maturity at 1 to 2 years of age. They are able to swim totally submerged, and rest on the bottom of shallow creeks or lakes for up to 90 minutes, to avoid detection. Like other species of Bearded Dragon, this lizard relies on more bluff than bite; trying to appear larger and spikier than it really is to any potential predator. Philippine Sailfin Dragon (Hydrosaurus pustulatus) Ambon Webers from Blue Phase Parents. Australian water dragons are further divided into two subspecies, the Eastern Water Dragon and the Gippsland Water Dragon. Phylum Phyllopteryx . The tail is capable of regeneration when lost, furthermore, regenerated tails can also grow back when severed. Bibliography. The Australian water dragon is an arboreal lizard native to eastern Australia. Females begin digging test holes in sandy soil from a week to three days prior to laying.