ABOUT
WATER DRAGONS
Water Dragons are Australia's largest Agamid (Dragon) Lizard. Males
can attain a length of up to 100cm, however about 80% of this length
is tail. The water dragon is scientifically known as Physignathus
lesueurii. Two subspecies are recognised by most herpetologists.
These are the Eastern Water Dragon P.l.lesueurii and the Gippsland
Water Dragon P.l.howittii. The only real difference is colour
and geographic location. Eastern Water Dragons tend to be olive green
to grey above with black or black and white cross-bands along the body.
These may be highly visible or very dull. A black band extends horizontally
from the eye to the throat. Combinations of red, yellow and aqua can
also be seen on the head. Males get a very red underside that gets brighter
as the lizards reach maturity. On the other hand, Gippsland Water Dragons
tend to be olive green to aqua blue all over with bright or dull black
cross-bands. The males have wonderfully colourful throats normally striped
with green, yellow and blue. The black stripe from the eye to the throat
is absent in Gippsland Water Dragons. The tail of both sub-species is
strongly banded.
Water dragons are mainly a coastal species occurring inland to the Great Dividing Range,
except in NSW where they venture further inland. The Eastern Water Dragon occurs from
far north QLD to around Nowra in southern NSW. From Nowra, the Eastern Water Dragon is
replaced by the Gippsland Water Dragon. This occurs from Nowra through to eastern VIC
reaching inland to the ACT. The map below shows where both sub-species can be found.
APPROXIMATE
RANGE OF EACH SUB-SPECIES
To see water dragons in the wild it is important to be very quiet.
In most cases even a large water dragon will go unnoticed until a splash
is heard. When they sense danger the water is their means of escape.
They can remain submerged for up to two hours. If you are lucky enough,
you can find water dragons basking on rocks and tree branches either
around or over the water's edge, although it is not uncommon to find
them away from water. Females tend to lay their eggs quite a distance
away from the water's edge. In the ACT, Gippsland Water Dragons can
quite easily be seen at the National Botanical Gardens on Black Mountain.
Here they are rather tame and allow you to approach quite closely, so
take your camera. Eastern Water Dragons can easily be seen at such places
as Taronga Zoo in NSW, Dreamworld on the Gold Coast and Brisbane's Southbank.
Water dragons become quite accustomed to human presence and will even
scavenge for food around picnic tables.
WATER
DRAGONS IN CAPTIVITY
Keeping water dragons in captivity is fascinating. They are large colourful
active lizards that make a wonderful addition to anyone's collection
of reptiles, provided their requirements can be met. Similar to Bearded
Dragons, Water Dragons love to bask in the sun for most of the day.
They are hardy lizards that will tolerate a wide range of conditions
(within reason). If keeping the lizards indoors, their adult size must
be accounted for. An enclosure of no less than 150cm long and 50cm wide
is required. Height must also be considered, as these lizards like to
bask on branches overhanging water. Adults should be housed with a minimum
height of 80cm. A water bowl large enough for all specimens to fully submerge
themselves is needed. When kept indoors water dragons tend to be quite shy so
plenty of hiding places are also necessary. Supply a basking lamp at one end
of the enclosure maintaining a temperature of about 35ºC directly underneath
the lamp. It is important to maintain a temperature gradient preferably within
a 10ºC range. Use a thermometer at either end of the enclosure to check the
temperature and heat gradient. Appropriate UV lighting is also necessary and
is best provided by a fluorescent tube designed for the purposes of keeping reptiles.
Failure to provide UV light can result in bone deformities. Good ventilation is
a must as it will be very humid in the enclosure because of the heat and water.
If the enclosure is poorly ventilated respiratory problems may occur which can
be fatal to the lizards. Juvenile water dragons tend to be more insectivorous
than adults. Crickets are good, particularly black field crickets, and I have
found that slaters are a favourite food item. Any moving insect will normally be
taken. Adults will eat a wide variety of food including insects, small yabbies,
fish, frogs and fruit. Captive Water Dragons tend to be a bit lazy so care needs
to be taken not to overfeed them.
It's is highly recommended that these lizard's be kept outdoors. Here
they flourish. They make an attractive addition to the garden. When
building an outdoor enclosure the walls should be smooth and extend
about 100cm above ground and 50cm below ground as Water Dragons are
burrowing lizards. The enclosure should be a minimum of 2m by 2m. A
large pond should be enclosed so all adults can submerge themselves.
They will sometimes spend the night in the water. Other hiding places
should be made available in the enclosure as well, and the lizards must
have access to shade. Growing plants in the outdoor enclosure helps
in a number of ways. It is more natural to look at, plants will provide
good shade and plants will also attract insects which saves money on
your feeding bill. Water Dragons tend to calm down dramatically when
kept outdoors. It's not likely though that they will accept handling
to the extent of Bearded Dragons. Having said this they will learn to
accept food from fingers and some can be coaxed to sit on your arm or
leg for a food reward. If the lizard need's to be handled care must
be taken to avoid scratches from sharp claws as Water Dragons are powerful
lizards. It is best to grasp the lizard with one hand around the shoulders
holding it's forelimbs back against it's body and the other hand holding
it's hind limbs back against it's tail. Never grab these lizard's by
the tail, because besides being uncomfortable for the lizard, they will
readily shed their tails and although they do grow them back, they lack
the patterning of the original tail. It is probably a good idea not
to hibernate these lizards until they are about three years old. After
this age they should be large enough to handle a winter outside in captive
conditions, although they should be closely monitored. It is not uncommon
for Water Dragons to sleep out in the open even on cold nights (down
to 5ºC) however, temperatures below 7ºC have been known to
cause frostbite in some lizards.
So if you can provide the right conditions why not get yourself some
Water Dragons. They are impressive, beautiful and easy to feed. What
more can you ask for.
REFERENCES: Cogger, H G "Reptiles And Amphibians Of Australia"
Sixth Edition, Reed New Holland 2000.
Webster's "Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles and Frogs"
CD-Rom 1998
Webster Publishing
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