water dragon

The Australian water dragon is found in eastern Australia from Victoria northwards to Queensland. There are numerous types of water dragons. We are just focusing on the Australian one . This species is protected in Australia. Wild specimens cannot be collected from the wild and a permit is required in most states and territories to keep this species in captivity. And sorry, but I’m not really going to teach you how to train your water dragon. It’s just a fun title. Unfortunately, you’ll have to learn to train it yourself.

First the Stats… Scientific name: Intellagama lesueurii Weight: Up to 2.2 lbs. Length: Up to 3 feet (2/3 of that is its tail) Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Now on to the Facts! 1.) An Australian water dragon’s tail is wedge shaped like an oar to help them swim through the water with ease.

2.) If danger is sensed, a dragon can dive under water and remain there for up to 90 minutes!

3.) Water Dragons are omnivorous (eat both plant and animal matter).

4.) The Australian water dragon brumates ( hibernation for reptiles) during winter.

5.) These dragons have been observed sleeping in the water. They just leave their nostrils above the water and snooze away!

But wait, there’s more on the Australian water dragon! 6.) These Ausie lizards can also eat in the water too.

7.) Like bearded dragons, water Dragons communicate by inflating their throat pouches, bobbing their heads, doing push-ups, and waving their arms. This is part of a territorial behavior that males show off during the breeding season.

Did you know…? Australian water dragons have been around for about 20 million years.

8.) The Eastern Water Dragon has been adopted as Penrith City Council’s official logo.

9.) If they really want to take off, they will stand on their hind legs and run!

10.) Water Dragons form part of the Chinese Horoscope.

Now a Short Australian Video!

Also, check out the Critter Science YouTube channel . Videos added frequently!

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This is a state of metabolic depression and inactivity in endothermic (warm blooded) creatures. It is displayed as a reduced heartbeat (by up to 95%), low metabolic rate, slow breathing, and low body temperature. Critters that hibernate typically prepare for it by building up an abundance of body fat during late summer and autumn that helps provide them with energy throughout the winter months. There are 2 types of hibernation: facultative & obligate hibernation. Facultatives hibernate when it’s too cold and food supply has been reduced. Obligates are able to sleep despite access to food and comfortable temperatures. A facultative hibernator would be the black-tailed prairie dog . A few obligate hibernators are: ground squirrels , mouse lemurs , and butterflies .'); toolTips('.classtoolTips19','

Reptiles undergo this type of dormancy during the late phases of autumn. They typically only wake up to consume water and then go back to sleep. Reptiles eat a great deal of food right before brumation since they can go for months without eating anything. This dormancy can last for about 8+ months depending on the age, health, and size of the reptile in question. This type of dormancy is typically begun by a decrease in daylight and with the onset of cold weather. Reptiles usually don’t brumate during the first year of their lives; rather they simply slow their movements and eat less.'); toolTips('.classtoolTips29','

Coming from the Latin term omnis (meaning all or everything) and vorare (meaning to eat or devour), omnivores are animals that consume plant and animal matter. Some animals that fit into this category are pigs , dogs , coatis , bears , hedgehogs , chimpanzees , and more.');

water dragon

How to Train Your Australian Water Dragon