Asian Water Dragon - Five Sisters Zoo

An arboreal or tree-dwelling species, the Asian Water Dragon is a vivid green color often with mottling in browns and greys in juveniles. Their tail is typically longer than the length of their body and supports balance while in the trees. A spiny crest along the back is longer in males than in females.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; eats insects, worms, and small mammals in addition to vegetables and fruit.

Weight: 60g

Length: 2-3 feet

Habitat: Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Found in tropical evergreen lowland rainforest and bamboo forests, particularly near flowing fresh water. Recent research has also placed them closer to human habitats, specifically agricultural areas, provided heavy vegetation and flowing fresh water is also present.

Life Span: 10-15 years

Adapted to Survive

Perches in trees and will plunge into water below to escape predators; eyes are adapted to different lighting conditions using a structure in the eye called a Parietal Eye.

Threats

Illegal wildlife and pet trade; human consumption; habitat loss and fragmentation

IUCN Conservation Status

Vulnerable

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