An investigation is underway after at least six water dragons were found with pipe darts embedded in their bodies, in the wetlands of Shearwater Drive in Warriewood.
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NSW Police are looking into the matter after residents reported through Facebook and Nextdoor that they saw the injured water dragons with darts embedded in them at Warriewood wetlands.
Whilst some locals only reported about the incident, there are some who have already taken action, such as a resident from North Narrabeen who took an injured water dragon to a veterinarian.
The incident has also been reported to animal rescue organisations Sydney Wildlife Rescue and WIRES, who are now treating two of the captured water dragons. The rest have since been returned to the wetlands.
Photo credit: Sydney Wildlife Mobile Care Unit/Facebook
Volunteers from Sydney Wildlife Rescue attended to the injured water dragons at their mobile care unit, where darts ranging from 2cm to 3cm long were detached from their bodies.
Whilst trying to help another water dragon with a dart in its neck, one local also found a destroyed shell of a turtle in the same location where the dragons were found.
Those who have any information about the incident can report to Dee Why Police on 9971 3399 or through Sydney Wildlife Rescue by calling 9413 4300.
About Water Dragons
Photo credit: Chris Hosking/Australian Museum
Water dragons are Australia’s largest dragon lizard and can be found living on healthy waterways in Sydney.
Colour depends on subspecies. The Eastern Water dragon has a grey to brownish grey colour above with patterns of black stripes whilst the Gippsland Water Dragon usually has an olive-green to brown colour.
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According to the Australian Museum, water dragons are more often heard than seen as they dive into the water when disturbed. They are often seen on overcast days or in the morning basking in the available heat.
The Australian Water Dragon is generally not an aggressive lizard to maintain in captivity; however like all large Agamids they are capable of inflicting a severe bite when agitated.
They are among the protected species in Australia. Based on their conservation status, water dragons are protected species in all states and territories where they naturally occur.
As protected species, wild specimens cannot be collected from the wild and a permit is required in most states and territories to keep them in captivity.
