Introduction

Bluetongue Lizards are harmless to humans and pets. It is illegal to harm or kill them and the NSW Government may prosecute anyone found to harm native wildlife.

The Eastern Blue-tongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides) is a common sight in urban areas, particularly in Australian suburbia. This guide provides an overview of their physical characteristics, dietary habits, and ecological significance, focusing on their adaptation to urban environments.

Physical Characteristics

The Eastern Blue-tongue Skink typically grows to around 60 cm in length. It has a silver-grey body adorned with broad, dark bands across its back and tail, and a distinctive black stripe running from the eye to the ear. Its most notable feature is its bright blue tongue, extending defensively when threatened to deter predators.

Adaptation to Urban Environments

This is the average size of a “Bluey” found in Sydney.

These skinks are frequently found in suburban gardens and parks, even in densely populated inner-city suburbs like Balmain. Despite their lack of speed and large size, they adapt well to altered landscapes. Their presence in urban areas underscores their resilience and ability to thrive in environments significantly different from their natural habitats.

Diet

Eastern Blue-tongue Skinks are omnivorous. Their diet includes slugs, snails, insects, grubs, as well as various plants and flowers. By feeding on these items, particularly garden pests, they play a beneficial role in maintaining the health of urban ecosystems.

Reproductive Behavior

These skinks are viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Typically, they give birth to 10–20 young during the summer months of December or January, a reproductive strategy that is relatively uncommon among reptiles.

Ecological Role and Conservation

Despite their robust appearance, Eastern Blue-tongue Skinks face several threats in urban areas, including predation by domestic pets and risks from vehicles and garden equipment. They are often mistaken for snakes and killed due to this misidentification, despite being non-aggressive and posing no threat to humans. These skinks play an essential role in urban wildlife communities by controlling pest populations and demonstrating significant adaptability to living near humans.

Coexisting with Blue-Tongue Lizards in Your Backyard

Avoid Relocation

Blue-tongue lizards have established territories. Moving them can disorient them, making it challenging for them to find essential resources like food, shelter, and water. It's best to leave them where they are found.

Observing Their Behavior

Initially, blue-tongues may shy away from human presence. However, as they become accustomed to their surroundings and realize there's no threat, they may become more visible and relaxed.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

It's often illegal to capture blue-tongues for sale or as pets. If you wish to keep a lizard, seek legal avenues like purchasing from reputable pet shops.

Avoiding Snail Pellets

This baby Blue Tongue was found in a Granville while searching for a Red Bellied Black Snake.

Blue-tongue lizards enjoy snails, so avoid using snail pellets in your garden to prevent them from consuming poisoned snails.

Care with Lawn Equipment

Be cautious when using lawnmowers and whipper snippers, as these can accidentally harm lizards.

Creating a Lizard-Friendly Garden

This lizard in Balmain East shows how well they have done in an Urban Environment. Balmain East was first settled in the 1840’s and humans and these lizards have been coexisting there ever since!

Sunlit Resting Spots

As ectothermic animals, blue-tongues rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Creating sunny areas in your garden with flat rocks or stones allows them to bask and warm up.

Diverse Vegetation

Landscaping with a variety of plants, including ground cover, shrubs, and taller greenery, can attract insects and other prey, providing a steady food source for the lizards.

Mindful Pruning

Lizards use plants for shelter and foraging. Avoid excessive pruning, especially during their active seasons, to preserve natural hiding spots.

Natural Mulch

Use natural, organic mulch like leaves, straw, or wood chips. This helps conserve moisture and attracts insects, creating a suitable environment for lizards.

Here is the lizard on the cover of our latest book, Urban Reptiles!

Constructing Lizard Hideaways

Incorporate man-made materials like pipes and tin to create additional hiding spots. These can offer protection from predators and harsh weather.

Responsible Coexistence with Blue-Tongue Lizards

Respect Their Territory

Avoid disturbing blue-tongues in their natural territories. These reptiles have established homes, and relocating them can disrupt their access to essential resources.

Ethical Interaction

It's important to observe and respect blue-tongue lizards from a distance. If you encounter them, remain calm and allow them to move freely.

Blue-Tongue Lizards in Urban Landscapes

Challenges of Urbanization

As urbanization expands, blue-tongue lizards face habitat loss and new threats, including attacks from domestic pets and the dangers of snail baits. The reduction of green spaces due to development forces these reptiles to move to less dense areas.

Conservation Efforts

Efforts are being made to protect and preserve blue-tongue lizards in urban areas. Healthy populations can still be found in pockets of bushland and less densely populated suburbs.

Promoting Wildlife-Friendly Urban Spaces

To support wildlife, including blue-tongue lizards, urban gardeners are encouraged to maintain natural garden areas with features like logs, rocks, and shrubs. These provide essential cover and habitat for various small animals.

A Bluey showing off its distinctive blue tongue.

Appreciating Blue-Tongue Lizards

Blue-tongue lizards are a fascinating part of Australia's urban wildlife. Their presence in gardens signifies a healthy and balanced ecosystem. By creating lizard-friendly environments and respecting their natural behaviors, we contribute to the conservation of these remarkable reptiles.

In an era of increasing urbanization, it is crucial to appreciate and protect the wildlife that shares our urban spaces. Blue-tongue lizards, with their unique adaptations and beneficial ecological roles, deserve our respect and care.

Blue-Tongue Lizards in Your Backyard.