Fauna
Reptile

Jacky Dragon

Amphibolurus muricatus

Also known as Blood-sucker, Stonewalker, Tree Dragon

Jacky dragons are agile, semi-arboreal lizards renowned for their camouflage, perching motionless on fallen logs or tree trunks to blend seamlessly against rough bark. When alarmed, they sprint upright on their hind legs to reach cover, occasionally flashing their bright yellow mouth lining in a startling threat display. Their embryos exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination, producing females at extreme incubation temperatures and a mix of both sexes at moderate temperatures.

ReptileDiurnalCamouflaged
Jacky Dragon reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyGrasshoppers, Beetles, Spiders
Predators
  • Laughing Kookaburra
  • Feral Cat
  • Red-bellied Black Snake
ThreatsHabitat clearance, inappropriate fire regimes, and predation by feral cats and foxes
HabitatsDry sclerophyll forests, coastal woodlands, and heathlands
Life span4–8 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAgamidae
  2. SpeciesAmphibolurus muricatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting Technique: Scan sunny, rough-barked logs and fence posts during mild mornings where they bask.
  • Approach Quietly: Move slowly to avoid triggering their upright bipedal escape dash into thick brush.
Related species
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