List of reptiles of Australia

The non-avian reptiles of Australia are a diverse group of animals, widely distributed across the continent. Three of the four reptile orders are represented: Testudines, Squamata and Crocodilia. The only missing extant order is Sphenodontia, containing the tuataras, which are endemic to New Zealand. Australia has over 860 species, a large number in comparison to other continents; for example, North America's total is about 280.[1] The most speciose group is Squamata, the snakes and lizards. They are especially diverse in the arid areas of Australia, where other fauna are scarcer. Spinifex grass is a major habitat which allows them to remain in a relatively cool, moist area.

The perentie (Varanus giganteus) is Australia's largest lizard.

Australia has a large array of reptiles which can be dangerous to humans. The world's largest reptile, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), is native to the continents's north coastal area.

Australian reptile families

Testudines – 4 families
FamilyCommon namesExample speciesExample photo
CheloniidaeSea turtlesGreen sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
DermochelyidaeLeatherback sea turtleLeatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
ChelidaeAustro-American side-necked turtlesCommon snakeneck turtle (Chelodina longicollis)
CarettochelyidaePig-nosed turtlePig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
Squamata – 12 families
FamilyCommon NamesExample SpeciesExample Photo
GekkonidaeGeckosThick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)
PygopodidaeLegless lizardsBurton's legless-lizard (Lialis burtonis)
Agamidaedragon lizardsEastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)
VaranidaeMonitors or goannasLace monitor (Varanus varius)
ScincidaeSkinksWestern blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua occipitalis)
TyphlopidaeBlind snakesWoodland Blind Snake (Ramphotyphlops proximus)-
PythonidaePythonsGreen tree python (Morelia viridis)
ColubridaeColubrid snakesBrown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)
Elapidae-Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
HydrophiidaeSea snakes--
LaticaudidaeSea kraits--
AcrochordidaeFile snakesArafura file snake (Acrochordus arafurae)
Crocodilia – 1 family
FamilyCommon NamesExample SpeciesExample Photo
CrocodylidaeCrocodilesFreshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

See also

  • List of reptiles of Tasmania
  • List of reptiles of Western Australia
  • List of Australian and Antarctic dinosaurs
  • Harold G. Cogger. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Sydney, AH & AW Reed. Revised edition, 1983. ISBN 0-589-50356-1 [1979 and subsequent editions]
  • Harold G. Cogger. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Revised edition 2014. ISBN 9780643100350

References

  1. Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2005). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Reed New Holland.
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