REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

In our area we have many different reptile and amphibians. The most common reptiles you are likely to encounter on the NSW South Coast are Blue-Tongue Skinks, Garden Skinks, Water Dragons and Jacky-lizards (dragons).  We also see Red-Bellied black snakes, Diamond Pythons and Brown snakes.  The most common turtle is the Eastern Long-Necked turtle. 
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COMMON PROBLEMS

• Motor vehicle impact
• Bird, Cat or Dog attack
• Damage from lawn mowers and whipper snippers
• Disease
• Entanglement in netting and llitter (e.g. cans)
• Habitat loss
• Ingested poison (e.g. snail & rat bait)
• Person attack

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MORE INFORMATION ON...

• Fencing and Netting ​
• Frogs
• Frog pond/bog
• Lizards and Goannas
• Snakes
• Turtles​​

HANDLING NATIVE REPTILES

We recommend against handling any native reptiles for your safety and theirs. Some of our snakes are highly venemous and a high percentage of snake bites are inflicted on people who are attempting to handle or injure the snake.  In most cases, leave well alone and if they are injured or in an inappropriate place, call a wildlife group or a snake-catcher - as both have training, experience (and snake-bite kits).

Turtle being released © WRSC Gavin Swan.

Other Information

• You may not keep native reptiles or amphibians from the wild without permission from National Parks & Wildlife Service as it is an offence
  
• It is an offence to harm, kill or trade any native reptile or amphibian in NSW and strict penalties apply
  
• Many reptiles and amphibians are territorial and have to be released back into the area they are found
  
• Do not handle frogs without wet hands as they are susceptible to bacteria carried on the human skin, so minimize contact with them.
  
• Some reptiles go into shock when they have had trauma. This makes them dazed and compliant (easy to handle). BEWARE, as they emerge from shock, they can suddenly become active and aggressive.
  
• Many reptiles carry ticks. Generally speaking one or two ticks on a reptile poses no threat and will eventually drop off without any help.
  
• Lizards eat snails, so if you want to have a lizard-friendly garden do not use snail bait as it will also poison the lizards.
  
• It is important that people be wary of snakes and take proper precautions when outdoors between September to May.
  
• Snakes  aren’t  normally aggressive and will only bite when provoked or hurt.
  
• Wildlife Rescue South Coast suggests if you see a snake, leave it alone and walk away. NEVER try to catch or kill a snake.