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Reptiles

Unlike frogs, members of one group of wetland-dependent reptiles—crocodiles and freshwater turtles—spend nearly all their time feeding and interacting in the water and come out on land to lay their eggs in nests. Other reptiles, such as eastern water dragon, Mertens’ water monitor and Macleay’s water snake, rely on wetlands primarily as a source of food in the form of crayfish, crabs, fish and frogs and for a safe haven to hide when disturbed.

Reptile wetland indicator species and profiles

Freshwater turtle,  Photo by Angela Reid

Quick facts

433
species of reptile live in Queensland including dragons, geckos, legless lizards, skinks, goannas, snakes, crocodiles and freshwater and marine turtles[1]. Not all these reptiles live in or near wetlands but many do!

To find out more about species in your area see WetlandSummary.

For specific information on wetland species sightings please go to WetlandMaps or Wildlife Online.

Additional information

Pages under this section


References

  1. ^ Wilson, S (2005), A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland. [online], CSIRO. Available at: https://shop.australian.museum/products/a-field-guide-to-reptiles-of-queensland.

Last updated: 22 March 2013

This page should be cited as:

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2013) Reptiles, WetlandInfo website, accessed 18 March 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/ecology/components/biota/fauna/fauna-taxon/reptiles/

Queensland Government
WetlandInfo   —   Department of Environment, Science and Innovation