Brigalow reptiles go to school
02 Feb 2004
A cheeky Burn's dragon by the name of Wriggley is taking WWF-Australia's message of reptile conservation to the students of 220 primary schools in Queensland's Southern Brigalow Belt.
The region, which stretches from Rockhampton to the NSW-Queensland border, contains more than 25 per cent of the state's reptile species - some 130 in total.
Sadly, nine of the reptiles are listed as threatened and another four are considered rare.
The region was one of the most cleared areas in Queensland; 60 per cent of the original vegetation has been removed, which threatens vital reptile habitat.
The Burn's dragon, or ta-ta lizard, which has a habit of waving its front legs while running on its hind legs, is one of those species that lives among the communities of brigalow.
Wriggley, kindly created by Brisbane artist, Dave Francis, is the mascot of a reptile education kit produced by WWF's National Threatened Species Network in cooperation with Brigalow Reptile Recovery Officer Wendy Drury.
Titled Beneath the Brigalow - Being Reptile Friendly, the kit received input from teachers, landholders and reptile experts, and contains information and activity sheets for students to learn more about the region's reptiles and how to protect their habitat.
Environmental Education Centres in Brigalow towns will also receive the kits.
* Photographs/Images: A number of high quality images of Brigalow reptiles and Wriggley are available.
* Jacqueline McArthur, WWF Communications Officer. Ph: +61 2 8202 1242,
0408 626 780 or jmcarthur@wwf.org.au
