As the temperature warms up we have had the pleasure of seeing the emergence of many Blue Tongue Lizards at Long Reef on Year 10 and 11 Coastal Management, Geography excursions. Blue Tongue Lizards are in the Skink family and this particular species (Tiliqua scincoides) can grow up to 32cm from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail. These lizards are omnivores eating fruits, flowers, snails and small insects.
The above photo is of an individual found next to the golf course on Cherrybrook Technology High’s Year 10 excursion. This specimen is close to fully grown and like the majority of adults have signs of their tough life with missing toes. Whilst very famous this species is also under threat. Each summer many blue tongues will find themselves to slow to cross roads safely or unprepared for introduced predators like cats and dogs. Recent fox baiting in the Warringah shire are what we suspect has led to the population bloom at Long Reef.
