Burton’s legless lizard (Lialis burtonis)
Published May 26, 2019 | Australia’s most widespread reptile. This lizard is non-venomous and mostly eats other small reptiles. Lizard in image around 30 cm in length.
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)
Published August 24, 2016 | Found sunning along the riparian zone of Sportsman Creek Conservation Area this three metre mainly nocturnal Carpet Python.
Bush Companion Fauna Species of the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers
Published January 13, 2016 | The newly published book “Bush Companion Fauna Species of the Clarence Valley and Northern Rivers, New South Wales” is available to purchase direct from the publisher.
This book contains over 310 “full colour plate” fauna species in 250 “perfect bound” pages with both common and scientific names.
Order by email at urimbirra7@gmail.com to reserve your copy.
Price $25 a copy plus postage from Sportsman Creek Press.
Leave a commentGould’s Monitor (Varanus gouldii gouldii)
Published March 5, 2014 | 
This young Gould’s Monitor is a first time sighting in the Conservation Area. A voracious feeder, known to devour snakes, lizards, rats, rabbits and mice. Growing to a length of 1.5 metres they can display amazing bursts of speed when alarmed.
Verreaux’s Sand Swimmer (Anomalopus verreauxi)
Published October 22, 2012 | “Also known as Verreaux’s Burrowing Skink or the Three Clawed Worm Skink. The best diagnostic feature for this lizard is the pale collar, clearly visible on this specimen, which helps distinguish it from (Coeranoscincus reticulatus) the Three-toed Snake-tooth Skink.” These lizards live in loose soil, leaf litter and rotting logs feeding on earthworms and beetles. Because of its burrowing habits it is seldom seen and a new species for the Conservation Area.
I.D. courtesy of Martyn Robinson. Naturalist Australian Museum.
Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesuerii)
Published January 25, 2011 | 
Large, 90cm male lizard seen away from the protection of the billabong on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge.
Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)
Published August 5, 2010 |
Image of a large Red-bellied Black Snake, seen sunning itself on a mid-winter day. These snakes although very venomous will mostly move away if given a chance. If bitten seek medical attention immediately.
Carpet Python (Morelia spilota).
Published May 3, 2010 | 
The camoflage for a large Carpet Python observed in the riparian zone on the wildlife refuge. Although secretive and seldom encountered as they are mainly nocturnal, during winter they may be observed sunbaking in tree-tops or rock crevices and are known to enter homes and rural buildings in search of mice and rats.
Reference: Australian Reptile Park’s Guide to Snakes of South-East Australia.
Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis).
Published April 13, 2010 | 
Highly Venomous. “The second most toxic snake in the world. A nervous, ready biter it will defend itself if threatened. Diurnal, preys primarily on small mammals, lizards and frogs. If bitten seek medical attention immediately”. Found in the drier Open Woodlands on Sportsman Creek wildlife refuge, today. This is a very fast moving species of snake and if cornered or surprised will raise its body high in an “S” shaped loop and can bite repeatedly. This snake should be treated with “Extreme Caution“.
Image courtesy of Peter Robinson @ Museum Victoria
Further reading; Snake Catchers Brisbane.
Eastern Water Dragon (Physignathus lesuerii).
Published March 1, 2010 | 
A common, large semi-aquatic lizard which lives in Sportsman Creek and environs. They provide a food source to raptors and Lace monitors. Image is of a male lizard around 90cm long.
