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Sydney Police are on the lookout for the culprits of a stupidly-strange and un-Australian attack on local wildlife on Australia Day after four water dragons were found shot with darts by a wildlife officer at some wetlands on Shearwater Drive, Warriewood around midday on Wednesday 26 January.

One of the injured water dragons found on Australia Day. PHOTO: NSW Police Force.

The Eastern Water Dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is a unique Australian creature.

Unlike all other lizards they have four well-developed limbs, each with five claws and a tail that is longer than their body. They also grab their food with their short fat tongues, while other Australian lizards only use their jaws to capture their meal.

Most water dragons grow to about half a metre long but some males can reach 800 centimetres.

They resemble fairytale dragons with rough scales and sharp spines including a crest of spines that runs from the head to the tail.

According to the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, Eastern Water Dragons are semi-aquatic and live along the east coast of Australia around creeks, rivers or lakes. They can remain submerged for up to 30 minutes and will rise to the surface where they need to breathe.

Males can be very territorial and have been known to chase small dogs or children with "vigorous threat displays" if they feel threatened.

In this case it appears the dragons were on the smaller size so it would seem that their attackers will be unlikely to be able to claim self-defence.

The wildlife officer, assisted by volunteers, captured the water dragons and removed several darts – between 2cm and 3cm long – which were embedded in their bodies.

The injuries were not life-threatening, with only one requiring further treatment at a local vet. All four water dragons have since been returned to the wetlands.

Police from the Northern Beaches Area Command were alerted and an investigation is underway with the red plastic-tipped darts seized for further examination.

As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 9971 3399 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.