Reptiles and amphibians of Rottnest

The variety of reptiles and amphibians on Rottnest Island is relatively low when compared with the adjacent mainland. Only twenty-two species of frogs and reptiles have been recorded on the Island, whereas over ninety species are found in the Perth region.

Marine reptiles have been occasionally sighted in the waters around Rottnest Island, including green and loggerhead turtles. All frogs and reptiles are protected under The Wildlife Conservation Act of 1950, The Rottnest Island Authority Act of 1987 and Rottnest Island Regulations 1988.

Since separating from the mainland 7,000 years ago, the flora and fauna on the Island have been isolated, and have experienced changes in environmental conditions. This has led in turn to changes in the appearance of a number of species from their mainland ancestors. These changes are significant enough for these animals to be described as separate sub-species. The dugite and the bobtail lizard are two examples of this genetic divergence.

Frogs

Three species of frogs are found on Rottnest Island: the moaning frog, the western green tree frog and the sandplain froglet. The tree frog is quite restricted in its distribution, whilst the moaning frog (a burrowing frog) and the froglet are usually associated with low-lying areas, freshwater swamps and seeps.

Lizards

Seventeen species of lizards have been recorded on Rottnest Island. Of these, four are considered to be very rare. There are two types of geckos, two types of legless lizards and thirteen types of skinks. Commonly seen lizards include the Bobtail, King's Skink, Marbled Gecko, West Coast Ctenotus and Burton's Legless Lizard.

Snakes

There are two species of snakes present on the Island, the Southern Blind Snake and the Dugite. The Southern Blind Snake is a non-venomous burrowing snake, and the Dugite is a slender, dark brown, venomous snake. Dugites are frequently seen during the summer months, often lying on the road obtaining warmth from the sun and bitumen. Dugites are timid and non-aggressive, but they should always be treated with respect and caution as they are venomous.

Do not attempt to pick up or touch any snakes.

As part of an ongoing biodiversity survey which commenced in 2002, reptiles are regularly trapped, counted and measured. The information collected is then collated to form an important reptile and insect database. The reptile survey program is run by volunteers and wouldn’t be able to continue without their dedicated support. The surveys are conducted four to five times a year over weekends in summer, autumn and spring.

 

Rottnest Island frog and reptile species list

Check out this list of reptiles and amphibians that can be found on Rottnest Island, off the coast of Western Australia. View more