DrunkMonkey 0 #1 June 10, 2004 ...It's time for another random Speaker's Corner Animal!! The Frilled Lizard Frilled Lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii Otherwise known as the ‘cloaked-lizard’, the Australian Frilled Lizard is truly a unique creature. Its spectacular frill is used for defence and communication. This distinctive reptile loves the sun and is a member of the dragon family, a sub-species of lizards. Like most lizards it is active during the day. The energy absorbed from the sun warms its body allowing it to feed and run quickly. Photo: Chris Banks (Melbourne Zoo) Adult Frilled Lizards vary in size and weight but are usually between 70-95cm in length (from head to tail). Their long, strong tail can measure up to 65cm alone. They can weigh up to 500gm. The diameter of the frill is 20-25cm, about the size of a small dinner plate! Breeding and Lifecycle The male Frilled Lizard performs an elaborate dance to attract a female. It is always the male who courts the female. For the female to make her interest known she will head bob and not run away, showing no aggression. Mating occurs around September. The male is extremely territorial and becomes aggressive towards other males or rivals. Eggs are fertilised internally. The female lays 8 to 23 eggs in the ground around November. The tiny eggs weigh 3-5 grams, compared to a chicken weighing about 60gm, they’re tiny! The eggs hatch in 8-12 weeks, usually in February. Young Frilled Lizards are fully independent as soon as they hatch. The lifespan of a Frilled Lizard in the wild is unknown. In captivity it is about 20 years. Habitat and Distribution Frilled Lizards can be found throughout northern and north western Australia. They favour tropical to warm temperate dry forests, woodlands and savanna woodlands, usually with an open shrubby or tussock grass understorey. This reptile chooses to dwell in trees. Using its long, slim front limbs and its strong hind legs it is able to stretch and move easily between branches. Frilled Lizards mostly live a solitary life, defending their territory against rivals. Diet The Frilled Lizard hunts in the trees for spiders and insects like cicadas. It goes to the ground looking for ants, small mammals and small lizards. Threats to Survival The main predators of the Frilled Lizard are birds of prey like eagles and owls, larger lizards, snakes and some mammals like dingoes and quolls. When it sees danger the Frilled Lizard slowly lowers itself onto the ground, relying on its natural body colours to act as camouflage. If the lizard feels threatened it will extend its legs, open its brightly coloured mouth and show its teeth. It erects the frill which looks like a scaly umbrella. This helps to make it look bigger. With a loud hissing sound, it will jump towards the threat. If the frill and hissing is not effective the Frilled Lizard will begin to thrash its tail repeatedly, whipping it against the ground. As a last resort, the lizard will make a sudden turn and run off on its hind legs to the nearest tree, climbing until finding safety. If it is forced to fight, the Frilled Lizard is able to deliver painful bites with its large canine teeth. While the Frilled Lizard is in no present danger of extinction, in the south eastern parts of its range it is diminishing in numbers. This is a result of land clearing, destruction of habitat and hunting by feral cats. http://www.arazpa.org.au/Education_FactSheets_FrilledLizard.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricTheRed 0 #2 June 10, 2004 OK what about this one? Anybody know WTF this is?illegible usually Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #3 June 11, 2004 Yes, but the article left out one crucial piece of information - Are they better roasted or barbecued?witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CornishChris 5 #4 June 11, 2004 Seen them. How about this lizard I spotted the other day whilst out wandering in the Kangaroo Valley. It is, officially, The Daddy. CJP Gods don't kill people. People with Gods kill people Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lizard 0 #5 June 11, 2004 QuoteYes, but the article left out one crucial piece of information - Are they better roasted or barbecued? THATS NOT FUNNY MAN!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #6 June 11, 2004 witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #7 June 11, 2004 [croc hunter accent] Now see here, we have the frilled lizard....when I go near it's eggs, its natural instinct is to grab all its buddies, and KILL ME......lets go poke it with a stick and see if we can piss it off! [/croc hunter accent] Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
