Most people are familiar with Blue-Tongue lizards. There are two types, the Eastern Blue-Tongue and the Blotched Blue-Tongue. The Blotched Blue-Tongue is a high altitude animal and is only found from Wentworth Falls and higher. Whilst they do have different personalities their habits and requirements are identical.
Research has shown that their home range takes in about eight backyards. Their main diet is snails which they supplement with vegetation and soft fruits. For this reason it is unwise to apply snail bait in your garden. Any animal that consumes another baited animal is itself poisoned. If snails are a problem they can be gathered into a plastic bag and frozen before putting in the bin. Alternatively they can be squashed. They are nocturnal so best gathered at night especially on a wet night when they are usually quite prevalent and easy to find.
Threats to Blue-Tongues are mainly dogs and being run over as they do like to bask on the road. They are a lovely animal to have in your garden and present no threat to humans.
A healthy Blue-Tongue should be active, clear eyed and keen to steer clear of you. The skin should look smooth and clean. Blue-Tongues need warmth to digest food and dry conditions through summer to shed old skin and build weight ready for winter hibernation. Safe shelters in sunny spots in the garden help keep them safe from predators and long periods of rain.
- *Reptile Rescue and Education Service, Blue Mountains
