Fauna
Reptile

Australian Water Dragon

Intellagama lesueurii

Also known as Eastern Water Dragon, Gippsland Water Dragon

Australian water dragons spend their days perched on branches overhanging freshwater streams, dropping instantly into the water at the first sign of danger. Males defend prominent basking territories with head-bobbing displays and arm-waving gestures, displaying bright red or yellow chest patterns during the breeding season. Extremely adaptable, these heavy-bodied lizards have embraced urban parklands and golf courses, swimming with powerful side-to-side tail movements.

Semi-aquaticDiurnalTerritorial
Australian Water Dragon reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsects, Small Frogs, Fallen Fruit
Predators
  • Lace Monitor
  • Kookaburra
  • Feral Cat
ThreatsFeral predators, vehicle strikes, habitat destruction
HabitatsRiparian zones, riverbanks, urban parks, wet sclerophyll forest
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAgamidae
  2. GenusIntellagama
  3. SpeciesIntellagama lesueurii
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
May scratch or bite defensively if grabbed; observe safely from a few meters away.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses sharp claws for climbing and strong jaws capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered or handled.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by a spiky crest down the spine, long whip-like tail, and dark stripe behind the eye.
What to do
Do not attempt to catch or corner wild individuals; enjoy watching them from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Approach slowly: Walk calmly along riverbank paths without making sudden overhead movements that mimic predatory birds.
  • Look near water: Scan low branches, logs, and rocks sitting right at the water's edge on sunny mornings.
  • Observe arm waving: Watch stationary individuals for slow, circular forearm motions used as territorial signals.
Related species
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