A dragon is maybe the last thing you expect to find in the Richmond hills, but one was discovered, possibly considering setting up its dragon’s den, amongst the greenery around Jimmy Lee Creek.
The eastern water dragon was discovered by a member of the public and Tasman District Council’s biosecurity team was called upon to capture the reptile, which evaded the first attempt but surrendered on the second.
Communications officer Tim O’Connell says the wee dragon, which is a female around 60cm in length, was pretty relaxed throughout its capture and then it was a case of trying to find its owner.
The semi-aquatic lizard is a native to eastern Australia, and though they can be traded legally and kept as pets in New Zealand, they are recognised as potential pests if they establish in the wild. Also, many pests are not adapted to the wild and he says they suffer as a result.
Those that thrive can detrimentally impact the environment by predating native wildlife, spreading disease and destroying habitats, and he urges pet owners to keep them secure or find someone else who can look after them securely.
