What does it look like?

Eastern water dragons are a grey to brownish-grey colour above with patterns of black stripes along the ridge of the back as well as down the tail. They also have a dark stripe horizontally from the eye extending down the neck. The limbs are mostly black with spots and stripes of grey and the tail is patterned with grey and black stripes. They are coloured yellowish-brown underneath, with the chest and upper belly becoming bright red in mature males. Eastern water dragons are the largest species of exotic lizard available in the New Zealand pet trade and can grow to 80 to 90cm long.

Water dragons are completely insectivorous as juveniles, and as they grow they become omnivorous with vegetable matter gradually making up almost half of the diet. In the wild, water dragons have been observed ground feeding on insects such as ants as well as foraging amongst the branches of trees for insects like cicadas. They may also eat molluscs and crustaceans from freshwater, as well as algae and crabs in intertidal zones, and are strong swimmers. Hatchlings and young dragons may also be eaten by adult water dragons. 

In their native range, eastern water dragons are found along the east coast of Australia from Cooktown in the north, down to the New South Wales south coast. They have broad environmental tolerances and are found in a variety of habitats from tropical rainforest in the north of Australia to alpine streams in the south. Their key habitat preference is flowing water with ample tree cover and basking sites. Water dragons are also found in built-up urban areas as long as these conditions can be found and water quality is reasonable. They are often found in tree branches overhanging water, and will drop into the water when disturbed.

Modelling indicates a very high risk of establishing in the wild in parts of New Zealand.