Ashleigh Wolfe, a PhD candidate at Curtin University, presented us with a lively and interactive talk about reptiles. The presentation broadly covered reptile species most likely encountered in and around Perth and a study of people’s perception and responses to reptiles.
Her postgraduate studies into ‘How living in the city affects reptiles’ encompasses many aspects about local reptile populations, such as what they eat, where they go, how they respond to people and conversely asked the question: ‘Do people intentionally run over reptiles?’ There is an underlying fear and aversion that many people have, particularly for snakes, that may account for the low percentage of injured snakes that are taken to care centres.
Through a series of surveys conducted at wildlife shows, the general public were quizzed on identification of various reptiles and whether these were or were not venomous. Results indicated that one in ten considered Perth’s most venomous snake, the Dugite, as harmless.
We share the Perth area with many reptile species and there are many encounters with snakes every year. Over the last 35 years there have been 12 deaths due to snakes in WA. Dugites (Pseudonaja affinis) are common in many areas around Perth, Western Tiger Snakes (Notechis scutatus) frequent our wetlands and the Southern Death-adders (Acanthophis antarcticus) are found in the Hills—all are venomous.
Two of the most conspicuous lizards in our Hills area are the Western Bluetongue (Tiliqua occipitalis) and the Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa) and both attain sizes that make them easily observed. These lizards may live for up to 15 years in the wild and can grow to lengths of 450mm and weigh up to 700g. Fat is stored in their tails and if the tails appear depleted, this may indicate illness. Bobtails are monogamous and the young, born viviparously in autumn, usually number two or—more rarely—three.
Bobtails are the most common reptile admissions to care centres. Many are brought in suffering illnesses, particularly upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). If you observe these animals in the garden the symptoms include thin body form, mucous around the nose and eyes and a pale appearance inside the mouth. There is a high success rate with treatment. An important part of their rehabilitation, that could take several weeks, requires them to be placed in a warm environment as this assists natural healing by increasing their metabolism.
Any wild animal found injured or sick can be taken to a vet but there are several specialised wildlife centres in and around Perth and information can be researched online; a first point of contact is the Wildcare Helpline, 9474 9055. Of reptiles taken to care centres many have injuries caused by domestic animals; large lizards are often attacked by dogs and smaller lizards by cats. However foxes, ravens, kookaburras and snakes are also offenders.
Dispelling all the hype about so-called snake repellents (ineffective), Ashleigh summarised what to do if confronted by snakes. It is important to be aware of the wildlife with which we share our natural parks and neighbourhood gardens and we do need to inform ourselves about any dangers we may inflict on these animals and vice versa—we need to be aware of the ones that could inflict danger on us.
The talk was followed by ‘hands on’ close encounters with two large lizards and a small Stimson’s python, all passed around the room and eagerly held by many members.
Websites:
and 
www.kanyanawildlife.org.au
Susan Stocklmayer