Biodiversity

Geckos

Geckos are one of the most common reptiles seen and heard in urban backyards and within houses. A number of species are commonly known as ‘house geckos’ and are randomly seen scuttling across our walls and ceilings in pursuit of insects

The most common of these house geckos is the introduced Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus).  In some urban areas this species has out competed the native geckos and become a pest, getting into air-conditioning systems, behind wall hangings and leaving marks on walls.

Native geckos can generally be found hiding in clumps of native grasses, beneath dead bark, in rock crevices, spider holes and other confined spaces during the day. They are more active during the night, chasing small insects for a tasty meal. Two common geckos often seen in a range of habitats on the Sunshine Coast include the Dtella (Gehyra dubia) and the Robust Velvet Gecko (Oedura robusta) (Source: Queensland Museum).

Skinks / Lizards

Skinks are the largest and most diverse family of lizards with 202 species occurring in Queensland. They range in size from 22 mm in length to 320 mm to include the Common Blue-tongue Lizard.

There are both diurnal (day) and nocturnal (night) species of skinks. The Blue-tongue Lizard is commonly seen during the day sunning itself or getting a drink under the backyard tap. Most species of skink feed on small insects and invertebrates. The Eastern Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus) and Garden Skink (Lampropholis delicata) are commonly seen in urban backyards darting in and around garden plants and mulch looking for small insects (Source: Queensland Museum).

Dragons / Lizards

Dragons are diurnal lizards. In Queensland there are 28 species with a range of body designs that include, flat body scales, spines (eg. Thorny Devil), crests (eg Eastern Water Dragon) or frills (eg Frilled lizard).

Dragons have broad fleshy tongues, movable eyelids and well-developed limbs. Most live on the ground feeding on insects and will retreat rapidly if disturbed. The eggs of dragons are buried in loose soil or compost.

The dragon most likely to be seen in backyards is the Common or Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata). When startled or threatened Beaded Dragons inflate their bodies and open their mouths widely in an attempt to look larger and bluff predators.  In larger backyards near waterways the Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesuerii) is commonly observed sitting on a log or scurrying off through the grass into the water.
(source: Queensland Museum)

Goannas

The goanna is commonly seen in or near urban backyards adjoining bushland areas. Goannas have forked tongues that are flicked in and out like a snake. They are carnivorous and will consume anything they can overpower including insects, small mammals, frogs, birds and reptiles. Like dragons they lay their eggs in loose soil or compost. (source: Queensland Museum)

Snakes

The Sunshine Coast region is home to a variety of different species of snakes. They range from:

Pythons
The Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) is commonly seen in urban backyards near bushland. They frequently live in roof cavities and feed on rats and mice. They are often seen on roof tops and verandas sunning themselves.  Pythons are non-venomous snakes that kill their prey (frogs, lizards, snakes, birds and mammals) by constriction. They have heat sensory pits along the jaw line that are used for tracking prey. During breeding the female python protects her eggs and keeps them warm by producing heat through shivering' movements.

Tree Snakes
There are two common tree snakes often seen in urban backyards, the Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) and the Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis).  The Green Tree Snake feeds mainly on frogs while the Brown Tree Snake feeds mainly on small birds. The Brown Tree Snake is commonly known for raiding aviaries. Both tree snakes are slender, agile climbers that glide through the trees with ease.

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