Image: Alister Sharp

Australian Water Dragons are out and about in Hunters Hill gardens this spring.

The recent drought conditions may be responsible for the visits from these dramatic creatures who are often seen in Brickmakers’ Creek in Boronia Park where there is usually ample flowing water, tree cover and basking sites.  This one trecked 300 meters from the riverfront.

Water Dragons have been around for a really long time.  Fossils found in Queensland show that this genus has existed in Australia for at least 20 million years. They grow to about 90cm in length and live on diet of insects as juveniles, becoming omnivorous as they mature, eating figs, crabs and vegetable matter.  A female in captivity was still producing eggs at age 27.

Check  the Australian Museum for more.  Send us your images of wildlife in suburbia.