What aspect of the Eastern Water Dragon's ecology allows it to thrive successfully near human habitation and urban development?

A dual-escape strategy involving quick movement up nearby trees or rock faces

The resilience of the Eastern Water Dragon in urban environments is directly linked to its inherent safety buffer mechanism. These lizards possess a dual-escape strategy crucial for survival when near potential predators like domestic cats or dogs found in suburban areas. If they perceive a threat approaching from the water or the bank, their immediate response is not just plunging into the water, but also the rapid capability to scramble up adjacent vertical structures, such as trees or stable rock faces. This access to both aquatic refuge and arboreal cover allows them to maintain territory effectively, provided the environment offers these necessary flight paths rather than just open, manicured lawns.