I’ve got one in my back yard , he’s quite big ..I’m presuming it’s a he ….i see him out and about yesterday and he just looked at me ( he used to sorta hiss at me ) but he’s been here about 8-9 years , I'm not even sure how long they live ?
He‘s very shiny and I used to threaten him I’d take him to a nearby golf course if he ate my young pumpkin plants again …he ignored me ..and did it again …so my DH made a little fence for me to put around the young plants
Ill take a photo next time I see him snoozing up the side of my home , I’m not even sure where it lives in the winter , I’m just guessing it’s under the fairly small wood shed .
AI response to my question;
Why do captive bred Blue Tongue Lizards have a shorter lifespan than wild Blue Tongue Lizards.
Factors Influencing Lifespan of Captive Bred vs. Wild Blue Tongue Lizards
Blue Tongue Lizards (Tiliqua spp.) are popular reptiles known for their distinctive blue tongues and relatively docile nature. While these lizards can live long lives in both wild and captive environments, there are several factors that contribute to the observed shorter lifespan of captive bred individuals compared to their wild counterparts.
1. Genetic Diversity
One significant factor affecting the lifespan of captive bred Blue Tongue Lizards is genetic diversity. Wild populations typically exhibit a broader genetic pool due to natural selection pressures, which can lead to greater resilience against diseases and environmental changes. In contrast, captive breeding often involves a limited number of breeding pairs, which can result in inbreeding. Inbreeding reduces genetic variability and can increase susceptibility to inherited health issues, potentially leading to a shorter lifespan.
2. Environmental Conditions
Wild Blue Tongue Lizards thrive in diverse habitats where they have access to natural resources such as varied diets, shelter, and space for movement. These conditions allow them to engage in natural behaviors that promote health and longevity. Captive environments, however, may not replicate these conditions adequately. Factors such as limited space, lack of environmental enrichment, and artificial lighting can lead to stress and behavioral issues in captive lizards.
3. Diet and Nutrition
The diet of Blue Tongue Lizards in the wild consists of a variety of insects, fruits, vegetables, and other organic materials that provide essential nutrients necessary for their health. In captivity, owners may not always provide a balanced diet or may rely on commercial foods that do not meet all nutritional needs. Poor nutrition can lead to metabolic disorders or deficiencies that negatively impact overall health and longevity.
4. Stress Factors
Captive bred lizards often experience higher levels of stress compared to those living in the wild due to factors such as handling by humans, confinement in small enclosures, and exposure to unnatural stimuli (e.g., loud noises or bright lights). Chronic stress has been shown to weaken immune responses and contribute to various health problems that can shorten lifespan.
5. Disease Management
In the wild, Blue Tongue Lizards develop immunity through exposure to pathogens present in their environment over time. However, captive bred lizards may be more susceptible to diseases if they are not properly quarantined or if they come from breeders with poor hygiene practices. Additionally, the stress associated with captivity can exacerbate health issues related to disease.
6. Veterinary Care Access
While captive lizards may have better access to veterinary care than wild ones—potentially allowing for treatment of ailments—this does not always translate into longer lifespans if underlying issues related to genetics or environment are not addressed effectively.
In summary, while both wild and captive bred Blue Tongue Lizards have the potential for long lifespans, various factors including genetic diversity limitations, environmental conditions, dietary differences, stress levels, disease susceptibility, and veterinary care access contribute significantly to why captive bred individuals often experience shorter lifespans than their wild counterparts.
Probability of Correctness: 95%
and peaches in summer.
