Reptiles

Blue-tongued Skinks

Scientific Name

Tiliqua spp.

Other Common Name(s)

Bluetongue, Blue-tongued Lizard, Blue Tongue

Body Weight

For example, shingleback lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) can weight up to 1 kg.

Body Length

For example, Indonesian blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas) can reach up to 61 cm.

Habitat

Forests, grasslands and shrublands. Some also appear in dunes.

Diet

Insects, snails, fruits, flowers, leaves, carrion and fungi

Fun Facts

Although they have a distinctive blue tongue, they are not venomous. For example, the blue-tongue skinks (Tiliqua scincoides) that are commonly found in eastern and northern Australia, rely on their strong jaws to forage and easily crush the shells of snails or beetles.
When threatened, these skinks open their mouths wide to display their tongues, which can reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. Since many reptiles can perceive UV light, some scientists believe this behaviour may serve as a warning to other blue-tongued skinks, helping them defend their territories. It may also create a powerful sensory shock that startles predators, giving the skinks time to escape.

Distribution

Australia, eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources
Invasive Species & Diseases
Pollution

Blue-tongued skinks face a range of threats. In some areas, agricultural and urban development reduce food supply and destroy their habitat. Several species are collected for the pet trade, which can put pressure on some of the wild populations. Foxes, cats and dogs were introduced to Australia many years ago and have become invasive species that prey on native blue-tongued skinks. In Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, they are sometimes killed because local people mistakenly believe they are venomous.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

1 species is Endangered and 6 are Least Concern.

CITES

1 species is listed in Appendix I and 5 are listed in Appendix II.

Conservation Regulations

6 blue-tongued skink species are protected under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong

Ocean Park's Conservation Efforts

The Park provides care for the blue-tongued skinks confiscated by the Hong Kong government from illegal trade.

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Reptiles

Blue-tongued Skinks

Scientific Name

Tiliqua spp.

Other Common Name(s)

Bluetongue, Blue-tongued Lizard, Blue Tongue

Body Weight

For example, shingleback lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) can weight up to 1 kg.

Body Length

For example, Indonesian blue-tongued skinks (Tiliqua gigas) can reach up to 61 cm.

Habitat

Forests, grasslands and shrublands. Some also appear in dunes.

Diet

Insects, snails, fruits, flowers, leaves, carrion and fungi

Fun Facts

Although they have a distinctive blue tongue, they are not venomous. For example, the blue-tongue skinks (Tiliqua scincoides) that are commonly found in eastern and northern Australia, rely on their strong jaws to forage and easily crush the shells of snails or beetles.
When threatened, these skinks open their mouths wide to display their tongues, which can reflect ultraviolet (UV) light. Since many reptiles can perceive UV light, some scientists believe this behaviour may serve as a warning to other blue-tongued skinks, helping them defend their territories. It may also create a powerful sensory shock that startles predators, giving the skinks time to escape.

Distribution

Australia, eastern Indonesia and Papua New Guinea