Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard Tiliqua nigrolutea

Hi Chris. Several lizard species are native to suburban areas, so there's a chance that you can release this specimen where you found it. Also, if you'd like museum experts to identify the species, you can follow these guidelines for identification requests, and send us a clear photo of the reptile via our online form.

Hi Lorrrain, by the sound of it you may need to confirm he is a local species of blue-tongue. There is a possibility that if he is very comfortable in captivity and feeding well already that he may be an accidental escapee, this also correlates with the fact you say he does not look like a local. If you sent in some photos to the Discovery Centre it may throw some light on the issue. If it is a local species the best thing you could do is release him back to his local habitat. Is there adequate habitat for you blue tongue around your husband’s work? The lizard needs a place to hide and enough food to survive

Hi Josie - Most animals that have been raised in captivity have to be released into the wild very slowly and carefully – giving them plenty of time to acclimatise to their new environment and learn how to fend for themselves. I can see three main problems with you releasing your blue tongue: 1) It is illegal to either collect animals from the wild without special permission or release captive animals into the wild. 2) You don’t know where this animals ‘genetics’ originated from so you are releasing an animal into a new area where it may not be found naturally, or releasing different genetics into a population. 3) The wellbeing of the animal should be considered and whether this is the best thing for the animal and its chance of survival. 

This may not be the response you are looking for but it would be good if you could consider these points when making your final decision on what to do with your pet.