Bruce is our most recent arrival. He is an orphaned Shingleback lizard that has jumped in and stolen our hearts.
Name: Bruce “The Bobtail”
Age: Under 12 Months
Weight: 222 grams
Length: 26 cms
Species: Shingleback (Tiliqua rugosa)
Sex: Unknown
Temperament
Temperament
Bruce is a little lost soul. He came to us when his previous owner left him with a friend after moving overseas. The friend contacted me as he was unable to care for Bruce and properly bring him back to good health after what appears to have been a period of less than ideal husbandry. As a result, Bruce is pretty nervous about being handled. This may of course be as a result of his age as well as his previous experiences with people as he is still a very young lizard despite his size. He has shown glimpses of having a soft heart when I have handled him and he has approached me to say ‘hello’ with the enclosure door open. In time, I think he will grow accustomed to us and will hopefully be happy to be held, rather than distrusting. In the meantime, we get to see some fabulous displays of natural bluff behaviour that Shinglebacks, like other blue-tongue lizards put on when they feel threatened.
Interesting Facts
Shingleback lizards would have to be one of the most fascinating reptiles around. They are a species of Blue-Tongue skink, but, stand alone in appearance and behaviour. These guys are live bearers, they do not lay eggs, and they mate for life. Individual pairs will part company for 1-2 years at a time, before finding each other in the open spaces of the semi-arid regions of South and Western Australia. They will stay in a pair for up to two months.
The female gives birth 6 months later, most commonly to 1-2 offspring with up to 4 young being produced. They give birth to so few babies because the mother invests an incredible amount in her young. At birth, they are essentially mini, fully functional adults in terms of their requirements and preparedness to survive. Two babies are up to a third of the size of the mother.
Simply amazing little creatures. Bruce is a very welcome addition to our family.
The female gives birth 6 months later, most commonly to 1-2 offspring with up to 4 young being produced. They give birth to so few babies because the mother invests an incredible amount in her young. At birth, they are essentially mini, fully functional adults in terms of their requirements and preparedness to survive. Two babies are up to a third of the size of the mother.
Simply amazing little creatures. Bruce is a very welcome addition to our family.
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