Our Australian reptiles are spread across varied landscapes, from the scorching outback to the moist rainforests and coastal wetlands. The adaptability of Australian reptiles is extraordinary, allowing them to thrive in some of the most challenging environments on Earth. With more than 1,000 species, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles, many of these reptiles are endemic, meaning they can’t be found anywhere else in the world. These reptiles, being cold-blooded, play essential roles in the ecosystems by acting as predators and prey, thus maintaining the natural balance.

Reptiles in Australia’s Ecosystems

Australian reptiles are found across all landscapes – from the sweltering heat of deserts to the cooler, wetter regions of rainforests. Australia’s reptiles have evolved remarkable adaptations to cope with extreme temperatures, unpredictable water availability, and unique predators. For instance, reptiles in the deserts, such as the thorny devil and bearded dragon, have specialised behaviours to conserve water and regulate body temperature, while coastal species like saltwater crocodiles dominate estuaries and river systems.

Reptiles are also found in Australia’s tropical rainforests, where species like the green tree python and Boyd’s forest dragon thrive in dense foliage. Freshwater turtles and marine reptiles, including sea turtles maintain the aquatic ecosystems, while reptiles like the blue-tongue lizard have become common sights even in urban backyards.

Facts About Reptiles & Their Ecological Roles

1. Australia is home to around 10% of the world’s reptiles, making it one of the richest countries in reptile diversity. From tiny geckos to massive crocodiles, the country has an extraordinary variety of species.
2. Many Australian reptiles are specially adapted to survive the country’s harsh climates. E.g. desert-dwelling species such as the thorny devil can collect moisture from dew through their skin, while certain snakes aestivate (a form of hibernation) during the hottest months.
3. Reptiles play essential roles in Australian ecosystems. As predators, they help control populations of small mammals, insects, and other prey species. At the same time, reptiles serve as prey for larger animals, including birds of prey and marsupial carnivores. This balance helps regulate the overall health of ecosystems.
4. Reptiles are often considered indicator species. Their health and population trends can reflect broader environmental changes, such as habitat degradation or climate change, making them important in ecological monitoring and conservation.
5. While many reptiles in Australia are abundant, some species are endangered due to habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration and protection of breeding grounds, are crucial for the survival of vulnerable reptiles like the western swamp tortoise and green sea turtle.

Australian Reptile Species

Australia’s reptiles form a remarkably varied assembly of creatures, spread extensively across the vast expanse of the continent. Represented within these reptiles are three out of the four known reptile orders: Testudines, Squamata, and Crocodylia. Notably absent is the order Sphenodontia, which includes the tuataras, species uniquely found in New Zealand. With over 860 species, Australia’s reptilian diversity is considerably higher compared to other continents; for instance, North America boasts only around 280 species.

Among these reptiles, the Squamata order, encompassing both snakes and lizards, stands out as the most species-rich. These creatures exhibit particularly high diversity in Australia’s arid regions, where other forms of wildlife are less prevalent. Spinifex grasslands provide an essential habitat, allowing these reptiles to thrive in relatively cooler and moister environments.

Australia’s reptilian population also includes several species that pose potential threats to humans. The world’s largest reptile, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), is indigenous to the northern coastal regions of the continent.

Venomous Snakes

Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

Known as the fierce snake, the inland taipan is the world’s most venomous snake. Found in remote desert regions, its bite contains enough venom to kill over 100 adult humans. Despite its potency, the inland taipan is reclusive and rarely encountered by people.

Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)

The eastern brown snake is responsible for more snakebite fatalities in Australia than any other species. It’s common across eastern and southern Australia, especially in rural and suburban areas. Fast and highly venomous, this snake usually found near urban areas, searching for and feeding on rodents.

Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)

Found in southern and eastern Australia, the tiger snake is highly venomous and easily recognised by the distinctive banding across its body. Tiger snakes are often found near water sources and can be very aggressive if threatened.

Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

Another highly venomous snake, the coastal taipan is found in tropical and coastal regions of Queensland and northern New South Wales. Its speed and highly neurotoxic venom make it one of Australia’s most dangerous reptiles.

Non-Venomous Snakes

Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)

One of Australia’s largest and most common non-venomous snakes, the carpet python is often found in suburban areas. These pythons are non-venomous constrictors, feeding primarily on small mammals and birds. They can grow up to 4 metres in length and are widely kept as pets.

Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata)

The green tree snake is harmless and frequently found in northern and eastern Australia. Its vibrant green colouring allows it to blend into the foliage of rainforests and woodlands. It primarily feeds on frogs and small reptiles.

Children’s Python (Antaresia childreni)

Named after scientist John George Children, the Children’s python is a small, non-venomous snake found in northern Australia. It’s a popular pet due to its manageable size and docile nature.

Geckos

Barking Gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)

The barking gecko (or Think-tail Gecko) is named for the barking sound it makes when threatened. Found in arid and semi-arid regions, this nocturnal species is known for its vibrant colours and large eyes. It feeds mainly on insects.

Marbled Velvet Gecko (Oedura marmorata)

The marbled velvet gecko is found in northern Australia’s rocky outcrops and savannas. Its distinctive marbled pattern provides excellent camouflage. This gecko is agile and adept at climbing trees and rocks in search of insects.

Skinks

Blue-Tongue Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides)

One of Australia’s most well-known reptiles, the blue-tongue lizard is a large skink that is easily identified by its striking blue tongue. It is common across eastern Australia and plays a key role in controlling insect populations. Blue-tongue lizards are often found in suburban gardens, feeding on a variety of plant matter and small invertebrates.

Shingleback Lizard (Tiliqua rugosa)

Also known as the sleepy lizard, the shingleback is a slow-moving, heavily-armoured skink. It’s found across the southern half of Australia and is known for forming long-term monogamous pairs. Its rough, block-like scales help it blend into its environment, providing protection from predators.

Garden Skink (Lampropholis guichenoti)

The garden skink is one of the most common lizards found in Australian backyards. These small, fast-moving skinks are essential for keeping insect populations in check and are harmless to humans.

Goannas (Monitor Lizards)

Perentie (Varanus giganteus)

The Perentie is the largest monitor lizard in Australia, growing up to 2.5 metres. It inhabits arid regions across central Australia and is a formidable predator, feeding on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. Despite its size, the Perentie is shy and elusive.

Lace Monitor (Varanus varius)

Found in eastern Australia, the lace monitor is a large, arboreal goanna that can reach up to 2 metres in length. Its distinctive black-and-white banding helps it blend into forested areas. It is often seen foraging for carrion or raiding bird nests.

Ridge-Tailed Monitor (Varanus acanthurus)

The ridge-tailed monitor, also known as the spiny-tailed goanna, is a small, robust species found in northern Australia’s rocky outcrops. It’s known for its distinctive, spiny tail, which it uses to wedge itself into rock crevices for protection.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)

The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile in the world, with some males exceeding 6 metres in length. Known locally as the “saltie”, this species is found in northern Australia’s coastal regions, rivers, and estuaries. Saltwater crocodiles are formidable predators, capable of taking down large mammals, birds, and even sharks. Despite their name, they can live in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Salties are highly territorial and pose a serious threat to humans, making safety precautions essential in crocodile-inhabited areas.

Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

Smaller and less aggressive than the saltwater species, the freshwater crocodile, or “freshie”, inhabits the freshwater rivers and billabongs of northern Australia. Freshies typically grow to around 3 metres and primarily feed on fish, insects, and small reptiles. Unlike their saltwater counterparts, freshwater crocodiles are not considered dangerous to humans unless provoked.

Freshwater Turtles of Australia

Eastern Long-Necked Turtle (Chelodina longicollis)

The Eastern Long-Necked Turtle is one of Australia’s most iconic freshwater species, recognised by its incredibly long neck, which can often be as long as its shell. Found in eastern Australia, including parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, this turtle prefers slow-moving water bodies such as swamps, rivers, and lagoons. It is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Marine Turtles of Australia

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)

The Green Sea Turtle is the most common marine turtle in Australia and is often seen in the waters of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the northern coastline. Named for the greenish colour of its fat (rather than its shell), this herbivorous species feeds primarily on seagrass and algae.