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List of reptiles of Australia

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

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 species-rich 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.

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 continent's north coastal area.

Australian reptile families

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Testudines – 4 families
Family Common names Example species Example photo
Cheloniidae Sea turtles Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Dermochelyidae Leatherback sea turtle Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)
Chelidae Austro-American side-necked turtles Common snakeneck turtle (Chelodina longicollis)
Carettochelyidae Pig-nosed turtle Pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
Squamata – 12 families
Family Common names Example species Example photo
Gekkonidae Geckos Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)
Pygopodidae Legless lizards Burton's legless-lizard (Lialis burtonis)
Agamidae dragon lizards Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)
Varanidae Monitors or goannas Lace monitor (Varanus varius)
Scincidae Skinks Western blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua occipitalis)
Typhlopidae Blind snakes Proximus blind snake (Ramphotyphlops proximus) -
Pythonidae Pythons Green tree python (Morelia viridis)
Colubridae Colubrid snakes Brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis)
Elapidae - Common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus)
Hydrophiidae Sea snakes - -
Laticaudidae Sea kraits - -
Acrochordidae File snakes Arafura file snake (Acrochordus arafurae)
Crocodilia – 1 family
Family Common names Example species Example photo
Crocodylidae Crocodiles Freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni)

See also

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References

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