Little Lizards
When I first encountered Eastern Water Dragons up close, I have to admit to feeling rather apprehensive. But the more I became involved in photography, the more I decided to swap intimidation for experience.
It wasn't long before I realized that these wonderful creatures were more fearful of me than I needed to be of them......even the very big ones. In fact, they are a photographers dream because although some move away quickly at my approach, most of them freeze on the spot and play dead. But their eyes move left and right and their tongues dart in and out confirming that they are very much alive.
The images below are a collection of little lizards taken form various locations around the Brisbane area of Queensland, Australia.
Eastern Water Dragons (Physignathus Lesueurii) grow up to 80-90cm in length, most of which, is their tails. They are characterized by their grey/brownish colour and their black bands on their back and tail. There is also a black stripe on the side of their heads behind their eyes.
Their bellies are creamy white in colour but the males often have a red tinge on their belly or chest. Enlarged scales form a crest down the middle of their head, back and tail. Their legs are quite long and very powerful and their strong tails are flattened on the sides which enables them to swim well.
Eastern Water dragons are situated in eastern coastal areas of Australia and they inhabit areas from north Queensland to Gippsland in Eastern Victoria. Great tree climbers, they love stretching out on branches which overhang the water. If they feel threatened, they slip into the water and swim to the bottom and wait for danger to pass and they can stay under the water for approximately 30 minutes at a time.
Small reptiles, worms, frogs, insects, vegetation, fruit, small mammals and molluscs make up their diet. Males rule effectively over a harem of females and females lay about a dozen eggs in excavated, sandy holes. Their young hatch in about 3 months and they mimic their parents by learning how to defend themselves as soon as they hatch.
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