Bobtails

Bobtail Blues

By Jennie Swallow VN

Ever considered how fascinating our native bobtail lizard is? The advent of autumn brings the arrival of newborn bobtails throughout the bush. Sadly, however, bobbi numbers have fallen over recent years.

This decline is mainly due to the Bobtail Flu, a disease that is highly contagious among bobbies and can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include a loss of condition, pale gums, a clear discharge from the nose and eyes, or eyes that have become glued shut.

A healthy bobtail has a plump, stumpy tail in which food and moisture are stored. A flat, pointed tail indicates a seriously-ill bobbi.

Road trauma is another big killer for bobtails, as well as land clearing which affects their habitat and lifestyle. Even your own backyard can be fraught with danger as bobtails are easy prey, especially to dogs. Snail pellets will kill bobtails. Placing a saucer of salt in your yard is effective snail bait and will not harm friendly reptiles.

This prehistoric creature has some pretty admirable virtues such as a lifelong attachment to the same partner. Researchers have followed one monogamous couple for 17 years!

Bobtails give birth to live young that are almost as big as mum. The litter can collectively weigh up to 40% of her body mass.

If you see a sick or injured bobtail place it in a cardboard box and take it to the nearest vet. Be sure to note where you found the bobbi so it can be released back into its own territory after rehabilitation.

Despite its tiny teeth the bobtail has powerful jaws used for crushing snails and berries. One bite to your finger and you will know about it! To pick up a bobtail safely place your thumb and forefinger directly behind its head and enclose your hand around its body for support.

If you are unable to reach a vet, you can help protect this amazing reptile by knowing how to provide first-aid.

Place the bobbi in a pillowcase inside the box to protect it from flies, as fly blown wounds will cause a rapid death. Keep it in a cool room to slow the rate of dehydration. Leave a saucer of water inside the pillowcase. Do not attempt to syringe water into its mouth as this may injure the bobtail (or you), or cause it to lose further hydration through its resisting your efforts.

You may notice brown bush ticks attached under the bobtail's scales. These don't need to be removed as they pose no immediate danger to the bobbi.

Contrary to popular belief, a rescued bobtail should never be refrigerated. This will not halt the progression of illness or injury; rather, it will speed up the reptile’s dehydration.