In this somewhat confused age, with the threat of being lynched for getting a fact or two wrong - it’s becoming more, and more difficult to record complicated critters in the age of “truth”, especially when they, (the critters) themselves have, for the longest time - been misrepresented.
One species that were once called “snake lizards” are now known as “legless” lizards, which is - actually, also untrue.
This remarkable reptile retains vestigial rear limbs and many other characteristics that separate them from their snake cousins.
But let’s not worry too much about that - instead, join me on an Island in the Torres Strait … (just for a bit).
Is it cheeky?
So I’m working away, on an Island in the Strait - I’ve been to almost all of them, including Mere - (I’ll tell you about that one day), but on this occasion I was doing my do, when a bunch of kids excitedly approached my area of work.
Looking up, I realised they had a critter “under-hand”, so to speak - as they poked and prodded it, in an effort to keep it moving with them.
The animal, it turned out - was one of Australia’s most remarkable reptiles. A Burton's legless lizard.
I asked the kids as they passed if I could have a closer look at their quarry. They, in turn, stopped and declared they were taking it to school - to “show their teacher”, in an effort to find out if it was “cheeky” (dangerous).
“No, no - it really isn’t - I don’t think”, I said, and completely forgetting my responsibilities, I settled down on the side of the road and pointed out the “what’s” and “wherefores” of the beastie they had discovered.
To my amazement, the kids seemed enthralled - so much so, that I thought I might be able to extricate the hapless reptile from its arduous journey.
Grim negations ensued, - and, after suitable demonstrations of the lack of cheekiness on the part of the “snake”, (by my holding it) - sticks were discarded, if somewhat reluctantly - and school attended.
Thus, I was left - holding the bag (inset photo).
I released the no doubt grateful animal and marvelled, once again, at how ya just never know when a pocket of magic might just suddenly happen unbidden, right?
Snake Lizards
As I mentioned - this lizard, is - IMO, one of the world’s most fascinating. Yes, it does “look” like a snake, but it vocalises, has a flat paddle like tongue and perhaps most remarkable of all, it has a “hinged” beak.
The ability to use its upper jaw like a clenching hand is what it allows it to be the cannibal that it is.
I think it should, like its snake cousins, be given the moniker of “King”. All snakes that are “king” snakes, are snake killing specialists … Burton's Snake-lizard, is a lizard killer.
That hinge allows it to grasp its prey, (other lizards) and suffocate them, by crushing, cutting off their ability to breathe.
Speaking with “snakes”
Of an evening, out at a place called Lockhart River - I was again working away, my phone wasn’t getting reception, and I was a little sunburned - not to mention homesick, as my dog was crook. So I grabbed the keys to the work ute and went exploring in an effort to keep my mind off things.
To my utter astonishment - on a “local” road, I came across the second of the only two Burton's Snake-lizard’s I have ever found, (photo - outset).
I actually ran over it - missing with the tyres, obviously, leaving skid marks to record the event, (both inside and out).
It was only after running back and gently picking up my prize that I realised how very close to Gecko’s this species is.
It made a sound like a kitten - and in the doing, literally stopped me in my tracks.
Wait - what? WTF!?
We made our way back to the truck and pulled it off the road - the lizard calmly sitting in my hand throughout.
Safely situated, I managed a rough pic, but far more importantly - I got the opportunity to just observe an animal that blows my tiny mind.
And so I sat - for a time, under a moonless sky with an animal that I felt privileged to have made the acquaintance of, (if somewhat under duress - sorry buddy).
I placed it into the grass at my side, watching as it slipped out of the reach of the cabin lights of my vehicle - then, after rolling a ciggie, I took the long way back to camp - my spirits lifted, grateful for a moment that I didn’t see coming.
HEY! I hope you’re good! Thank you for taking the time to reminisce with me - ya legends!
Take Care - Bear X
One of your best. Very interesting creature.