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Reptiles 10

Resident and visiting Reptiles on Sportsman Creek Conservation Area

A large 2 metre lizard perfectly camoflaged against the Forest Red gum tree on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge.

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Found near Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge. A voracious feeder, known to devour snakes, lizards, rats, rabbits and mice. Growing to a length of 1.5 metres they can display amazing bursts of speed when alarmed.

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Reference;  Swanson, S.   Lizards of Australia.

These lizards are diurnal and semi-arboreal and can be found perched on exposed places such as tree branches and logs. When agitated or threatened, display their beard and gape. The males are very territorial and only allow females and juveniles into their territory. They feed on invertebrates such as crickets and worms, also mice and other small reptiles. Image of lizard on fencepost at refuge.

Juvenile lizard photographed on Sportsman Creek today. These lizards have long powerful limbs for climbing and can grow to over 1metre in length and weigh 1kg. Water Dragons are extremely shy in the wild. They can swim totally submerged and rest on the bottom of creeks for 90 minutes to avoid detection. A large population live along the creek all year , basking on overhanging limbs.

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===================     Spring camouflage for this Tree Goanna    =============

A Tree Goanna making a hasty exit after predating nearby bird nests in early spring on the wildlife refuge.


Australia’s second largest lizard, growing to a length of  2 metres. Also known as the Tree Goanna. They are incredibly agile hunters and prey on birds, mammals and reptiles. I recently witnessed this lizard devouring an Eastern Water Dragon which was almost 90cm in length.

Image is of an adult snake of 1.2 metres. Generally considered harmless, however care should be taken not to confuse it with the venomous Brown Snake. This specimen was photographed early in the morning after feasting on frogs flushed after a heavy rain event.

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