Western Blue-tongued Lizard - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Tiliqua occipitalis

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 15 Oct 2020

Description

Robust pale brown skink with a series of broad brown transverse bands on the body and tail.

Distribution

Scattered records across central western and western NSW. No observations from northwest NSW to date.

Habitat and ecology

Diurnally forages for insects, snails, native vegetation and carrion.
Inhabits plains, swales, ranges and sometimes dunes of loamy or clayey/sandy soils vegetated by woodlands, especially mallee, shrublands (including chenopods), heaths or hummock grasslands. Preferred vegetation type appears to be mixed mallee/Triodia communities.
Terrestrial, and known to utilise rabbit warrens for shelter

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing and heavy grazing of mallee destroys or fragments habitat.
Ripping of rabbit warrens potentially reduces shelter.
Predation by foxes and cats may be problematic.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control of vertebrate pest populations, e.g. goats, foxes, cats and rabbits
Reduce or exclude grazing in some areas to allow habitat regeneration
Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
Retain grasslands, including the full cycle of grass development such a seed set and tussock formation.
Retain stick and leaf litter.
Retain understorey shrubs.
Retain fallen logs and branches as habitat for this species
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks in the area of concern.
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass).
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.
Survey.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Scopes Range	Predicted	None
Cobar Peneplain	Barnato Downs	Known	None
Cobar Peneplain	Lachlan Plains	Known	None
Cobar Peneplain	Nymagee	Predicted	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Menindee	Predicted	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Wilcannia Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo-Darling Sands	Predicted	None
Murray Darling Depression	Darling Depression	Known	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Riverina	Lachlan	Predicted	None
Riverina	Murrumbidgee	Predicted	None

Images

Western Blue-tongued Lizard Image 1 of 2.
View slideshow.

Nature conservation

Threatened species