1…. It’s the mascot of Penrith City Council’s Sustainable Penrith Program.
2…. The Eastern Water Dragon is Australia’s largest ‘dragon’ lizard with males measuring around 30cm from their snout to the end of their body and females measuring around 23cm.
3…. Water dragons are semi-aquatic lizards that are at home both in the water and on land. Because of this water dragons like to live close to creeks, rivers and other sources of water – like a garden pond.
4…. Male water dragons get a red patch on their chests when they mature which makes them easy to distinguish.
5…. Male water dragons are territorial and will defend their territory. They can do this by:
- sitting with their red coloured chests out to warn off other water dragons;
- pushing other males off logs;
- lying alongside each other and then turning rapidly to bite their opponent; or
- bobbing their head which communicates to other males that this is their territory.
6…. Water dragons eat insects, frogs, yabbies, water bugs, fruit and berries. They are clever things – they grab the insects out of the air with their mouths and manage to catch other food, like frogs and yabbies, while swimming under water.
7…. Their scientific name is a bit tricky to pronounce – Physignathus lesuerii.
8…. Water dragons can be preyed upon by snakes so they often sleep on branches overhanging the water. If they sense danger they can drop straight into the water - you will often hear the noise of water dragons jumping into water as you walk along a creek or river bank.
9…. Females can lay up to 20 eggs at a time during October through to December with the hatchlings appearing from January through to March.
10…. Water dragons can live for a surprisingly long period of time – 25 to 28 years!
11…. Water dragons have very sharp claws.
12…. Water dragons can remain underwater for up to an hour and can be seen ‘sleeping’ submerged in the water with only their nostrils protruding.
13…. In Chinese mythology the Water Dragon is a symbol of well-being and prosperity.
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
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