Large lizard with brown-grey body and black stripes along ridge of back, tail and limbs. Males have a bright red chest and upper belly when mature. Males can be up to 1 kg and 80-90 cm long, females shorter and lighter.
To help protect our environment:
Streams, rainforests, flowing waterbodies, urban areas.
Likely to prey on small terrestrial, freshwater and inter-tidal fauna, may impact plants through herbivory. May spread disease to other reptiles.
If you have pet water dragon, make sure they’re securely contained to avoid accidental escapes. If you are no longer able to look after your pet eastern water dragon, find someone who is prepared to give it a lifetime home, or contact a relevant pet shop or animal rescue organisation to get it rehomed. Never release an eastern water dragon into the wild – your pet may be unable to find the food and shelter it needs, and it also puts our native species at risk.
If you see an eastern water dragon in the wild, please report it to Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
