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.
| 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) |