All Your Lizard Questions Answered in 'Ask An Expert'!

Get ready to bask in our new episode of Ask An Expert as we take a look at all things lizards – as voted by you! Australian evolutionary biologist and ecologist Professor Rick Shine from ‪@macquarieuniversity‬ joins us to answer all of your questions on our four-legged friends! To find out more about Rick, visit www.canetoadsinoz.com/. Below are the questions from this episode of Ask An Expert. 1:23 How many different species of lizards are found in Australia? 2:08 What is the biggest native lizard? 2:53 How many species of blue tongue lizards are there? 3:40 Why do frillneck lizards have frilled necks, and how do they work? 5:23 Are eastern bearded dragons in decline? I see a lot less than I used to. 6:22 How are those tiny, endangered trap door type burrowing lizards going? I think they live in desert areas? 7:34 How and why do lizards drop their tails? 9:09 How long does it take for a lizard to regrow its tail? 9:48 Can all lizards drop their tails? 10:23 Do lizards see in black and white or colour? 11:06 Is it true that some types of lizards can go their whole life without drinking water and if so, how do they survive? 12:07 I have heard that shingleback lizards mate for life – is this true? 14:51 What is your prediction for how long it will be until shinglebacks are extinct? 15:49 What is the most common legless lizard species in NSW? 17:48 What is the difference between a lizard and a snake? 19:28 What are legless lizards? 20:27 Are there any unique adaptions lizards in Australia have undergone as a result of isolation in Australia? 21:31 Are there any specifications to Australian lizards like for Australian mammals? 22:21 Does Australia have any dangerous lizards? 23:05 Why do lizards enjoy basking in the sun? 24:03 How long are lizards pregnant for and how many babies can they have at a time? 25:56 Which lizard populations have been most impacted by cats? 27:03 Is changing climate affecting the distribution of lizard species? 28:48 What is being done to control the spread of Nannizziopsis? 30:19 What can we do to make our yards more hospitable for lizards? 31:24 How closely related are modern day lizards and dinosaurs? 32:11 What are some lizard dreamtime stories? 32:45 How long do lizards live on average? 33:31 What's your favourite aussie lizard, Rick? Australian Geographic brings you the very best about Australia's wildlife, culture, people and places - it's in our nature. Subscribe to the AusGeo YouTube channel for regular videos showcasing the people, places and wildlife that make Australia so great! ausgeo.co/YTsub Head to our website for even more Australian stories... www.australiangeographic.com.au/ Follow us on socials... Facebook | www.facebook.com/ausgeo Twitter | twitter.com/ausgeo Instagram | www.instagram.com/australiangeographic TikTok | www.tiktok.com/@ausgeo Get the mag | ausgeo.co/AGmag Read on Apple News | ausgeo.co/AGapple #lizard #lizards #reptile #reptiles #skink #bluetonguelizard #bluetongue #dragon #beardeddragon #waterdragon #australia #seeaustralia #wildlife #australianwildlife #nature Join the conversation: #ausgeo