Media Release
October 31 2007
Operation Bluetongue
Most
South Australians are aware that their rural and urban gardens are home
to a friendly neighbour, the blue-tongue lizard yet this is where the
knowledge ends and myths begin.
But student Emma Vasey is hoping change all that, by improving our knowledge and dispelling our misconceptions about the iconic species.
As part of her Master in Environmental Management and Sustainability program, Vasey is helping to lead Operation Bluetongue, a Biocity@UniSA and Radio 891 ABC Adelaide initiative.
The large-scale community operation aims to collect distribution and ecology data, stories and photographs of the six blue-tongue lizard species that inhabit South Australia.
The purpose of the research is to get an understanding of where and why certain species inhabit particular areas, Vasey said.
We are going to pinpoint on a map where blue-tongue lizards have been found, down to the very street, and indicate each of the species with a different colour. People then may use the map to determine which species of blue-tongue lizard typically inhabits their area.
For the purpose of her thesis Distribution and habitat of blue-tongue lizards in South Australia, Vasey will analyse the data and educate the South Australian public about the benefits of having these creatures as our neighbours and, perhaps, pets.
I have made brochures, crosswords, find-a-words, information sheets and questionnaires to educate schools and the public about blue-tongue lizards, Vasey said.
I also have a blog on the ABC website where the public can address any questions or concerns they may have.
Vasey stresses the importance of the South Australian public being properly educated in order for the species to survive.
There are many misconceptions about blue-tongue lizards being dangerous. Because other reptiles, like snakes, are aggressive and poisonous people think blue-tongue lizards are too, Vasey said.
Operation Bluetongue seeks to distinguish between the misconceptions and the truths, and this will hopefully contribute to the survival of the species.
The research phase of Operation Bluetongue commenced on September 11 and will conclude December 1.
For more information visit Biocity@UniSA or ABC websites
Contact for interview
- Emma Vasey mobile 0409 883 360 email vasek002@students.unisa.edu.au
Media contact
- Vincent Ciccarello office 08 8302 0578 mobile 0434 603 457 email vincent.ciccarello@unisa.edu.au