Monday 22 October 2012

Our World Tuesday - The Lizard of Oz

One of the (many) remarkable things about the wildlife of Australia is the number of different species of lizards and other reptiles we have.  At present the count stands at 840 species.  Its frequently said that a typical back garden in Sydney, Melbourne or Perth is likely to hold more species of lizard that the whole of the UK!  I don't know if thats completely true, but I've seen at least 3 types of small lizard in my own garden.

This picture is not of a small lizard!   This is a Shingleback - sometimes called a Sleepy Lizard or a Stump Tailed Lizard.

As you can see this nice specimen was very relaxed and allowed me to get very near him (her?) with a wide angle lens.  I found this lizard on the path to Mt. Zero in the grampians.  There were a number of other smaller lizards out in the spring sunshine - but they were faster on their feet that this one.



The lizards may not get as much press as the kangaroos and such like, but they are just as Australian.

You can find more shots from around the world at Our World Tuesday.

Enjoy the pictures.
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24 comments:

  1. Carole M.22 October 2012 at 20:31

    fabulous shot of the shingleback and I love the vista; would love to be visiting the Grampians

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  2. eileeninmd22 October 2012 at 20:40

    Great sighting of the lizard, he look like he is trying to hide. Thanks for sharing, have a great day!

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  3. Marcia22 October 2012 at 23:35

    I don't know if I would do much hiking if those were around so much. Not something we see here in Maryland, US.

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  4. Brian King23 October 2012 at 00:18

    Nice shots! It's an impressive looking lizard!

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  5. TexWisGirl23 October 2012 at 01:06

    pretty cute!

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  6. Sylvia K23 October 2012 at 02:45

    Great shots for the day, Stewart! Looks like a beautiful place! Have a good week!!

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  7. Gail Dixon23 October 2012 at 02:55

    I think he's adorable! Good shots of him. His face reminds me of a cross between a turtle and a snake. Interesting! A reptilian thing I guess.

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  8. Rustic Vintage Country23 October 2012 at 03:04

    Cute ;)

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  9. Karen23 October 2012 at 06:57

    I love lizards! Some great shots of one, with a marveloous view in that top photo.

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  10. Unknown23 October 2012 at 07:20

    That second shot is great!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  11. DeniseinVA23 October 2012 at 07:32

    Handsome fella and great shots!

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  12. Anonymous23 October 2012 at 08:18

    From where I come from, it is said, that they bring luck. All available for you and yours.

    daily athens photo

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  13. amanda23 October 2012 at 08:22

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  14. amanda23 October 2012 at 08:23

    Very handsome lizard!
    I'm very fond of the creatures, and as far as I know, we don't have any true lizards here in the northern U.S. where we call home. Just the treat of an occasional salamander.
    Always fun to visit areas with plentiful populations of them. I get very excited! Although, I was a little nervous at the possibility of running into a Gila Monster when exploring in Nevada a couple of years ago.. but I'd have loved to get a photo of one!

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  15. carol l mckenna23 October 2012 at 09:55

    As always delight post and photos of nature's gems ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

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  16. Gillian Olson23 October 2012 at 14:10

    Great pictures, second one is my favorite.

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  17. Anonymous23 October 2012 at 14:59

    Wonderful shots. And your title made me laugh!

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  18. Sallie (FullTime-Life)23 October 2012 at 16:18

    I LOVE the title of your post! And I like lizards (we see them all over in Florida).

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  19. HansHB23 October 2012 at 17:21

    Very good shots! Lovely to see!
    Have a nice day!

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  20. Anna23 October 2012 at 19:09

    Hi Stewart,
    What a great photo's... love it!
    Have a nice week and warm greetings, Anna ❀

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  21. HansHB23 October 2012 at 20:49

    I do like your "playing with words"!

    Yes, I saw a lot of black swans when I was in Australia. I think I have a post called "Black Swan".

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  22. Arija24 October 2012 at 00:09

    We too have a lot of stumpies but this year I have large Blue-tongues and some half sized ones as well. considering it is snake season, I am glad we have so many large lizards that use the snake holes to nest.

    I really miss the Gampians. Travelling will be out for a while yet.

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  23. My name is Riet24 October 2012 at 04:22

    A new thing learned today, lizard is also Australian. Thank you and lovely photo's

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  24. Wenche27 October 2012 at 04:27

    Wonderful shots of the wizard :0)

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