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Reptiles of Sydney Harbour

Skinks, Family Scincidae

The most diverse group of lizards is the skinks. It is also the group that appears to have most successfully integrated into the highly modified urban environment. The Blue-tongue Lizard, Tiliqua scincoides scincoides, with a total length of nearly 0.5 m is the largest lizard species in urban gardens and reserves of the harbour area. There are also a number small species of skink, Lampropholis sp. and Saproscincus sp that occur commonly in residents' gardens. These skinks reach maturity at a total length including tail of 10 cm. The Three-toed Skink, Saiphos equalis, is a nearly limbless species of skink that lives a largely subterranean existence and is commonly encountered by residents in some areas while working in gardens.

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Garden Skinks



Gully and Weasel Skinks


Three-toed Skink


Blue-tongue Lizard