Reptile & Amphibian Forums

You know - since getting my first skink I've been searching for an Australian website that has detailed info regarding Skinks. Even though what I see as the majority of BTS are native to Australia - I'm not impressed at the lack of Info that we give.
This is pretty much me having a winge over the lack of knowledge available. Anyone else find this somewhat amusing or disappointing?

Luke.

It seems like us Yanks have a lot more info on these little critters available on the web than you guys do. Maybe they're too commonplace Down Under to be worth designing web pages about them. But I for one would love to see pictures of them in their natural habitats or at least get to see the different colors and patterns that are out there which in the U.S. we just never encounter. Thanks for posting the pictures of your blotchies.
Take care,
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Edward
Carpe diem

Hi Luke and Edward
I know what you mean.
I've found quite a few Australian book references, but it would be nice to have some in-depth Australian websites too. Thing is, I'm SURE this type of info must be out there, it's knowing where to find it. I think the universities/ museums must be the places to look for people who have in-depth knowledge and are doing research, plus the Herpetological Societies in the various states must be full knowledeable people who keep blueys. The guys at my local pet shop gave me info on joining the NSW one, which meets once a month at the Australian Museum (I know you're in Melbourne Luke and I'm in Sydney, but there is sure to be something similar there.) Apparently they have field trips etc. to see herps in the wild, which would be neat. But I think there are alot of members who keep herps at home too - at least that's the impression I got - the Herp Socs are for anyone interested in reptiles. Anyway, will let you know as I intend to find out more, being new to keeping blueys myself and wanting to meet some kindred spirits in Sydney. Let me know in the meantime if you find any interesting Aussie sites.
Yours in blueydom
Susan
PS Was just reading on one site that suburban blueys esp. t. scincoides have declined in the last 2 decades.

I just ordered an issue of an Australian journal, Herpetofauna, that has an article written by Dr. Shea from the University of Sydney and the authority on blue-tongues. The article deals with whether the population of Eastern blue-tongues in the Sydney metropolitan area is declining. I'll share more with the forum when I receive the journal.
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Edward
Carpe diem

Edward, Sue, Everyone else - P

Because of my last post - I decided that I may do a lil snooping around the area - and I'm going to create a site for the beloved skink. Let's hope I do a decent job!

Luke

Hi Luke
Great idea. I wouldn't have a clue how to create a website, but let me know if I can contribute in any way. Are you just gonna cover blotchys, or others too?
I have some good shots of my baby Eastern, but no scanner to send/ post them. Anyway, good luck with creating the site.
Go the Aussie webmaster. Oi! Oi! Oi!
Susan

>>Edward, Sue, Everyone else - P
>>
>>Because of my last post - I decided that I may do a lil snooping around the area - and I'm going to create a site for the beloved skink. Let's hope I do a decent job!
>>
>>Luke
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Edward
Carpe diem

Hi Edward
When I read that suburban blueys are declining, I wondered "How do they know?" So it's interesting to hear that Dr. Shea's article is on WHETHER suburban Easterns are declining. I would be really interested to see it - if u can give me the reference I may be able to get it online from the uni library.
Cheers
Susan

Hi, Susan:
There are two articles dealing with the subject. If you find them, let me know what you thought of them.

Shea, G.M., J. Koenig and R. Shine. 2002. The Eastern Bluetongue Skink Tiliqua scincoides in the Sydney metropolitan area: the great survivor, or just hanging on? Herpetofauna. 32 (1):39-46.

Koenig, J., R. Shine and G.M. Shea. 2002. The dangers of life in the city: Patterns of activity, injury and mortality in suburban lizards (Tiliqua scincoides). Journal of Herpetology. 36 (1):62-68.

I have ordered the first journal but I'm also going to try to get a copy of the second one.
Edward
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Edward
Carpe diem

n/p