DFNCS Reptiles of Dubbo

While most reptiles are originally five-toed, some members of this group have evolved to the point where limbs have become reduced and vestigal as in some lizards, or completely absent as in the snakes. Generally, all reptiles are terrestrial vertebrates which are ectothermic; that is they derive their body heat from external sources, usually the sun. Most reptiles have only limited dependence on water. The hard scaled skin does not require to be moist thus many species can live in dry environments.

Four orders of reptile are recognised, three of which occur in Australia:
• Crocodilia (crocodiles and their relatives)
• Testudines [previously Chelonia] (turtles and tortoises)
• Squamata (snakes and lizards)
• Rynchocephalia (monotypic ancient order which now only includes the Tuatara from New Zealand)

Two orders of reptiles (Testudines and Squamata) are represented in the Dubbo area. Further details on Reptiles of the Dubbo area can be found here: Reptiles_of_Dubbo.pdf

Two families of amphibia are present in the Dubbo region, those of Hylidae and Myobatrachidae. Differentiation between the two families is relatively simple, the main feature being the expanded finger and toe pads or discs on Hylidae and the simple pointed fingers of Myobatrachidae (ie. no pads). For detailed information on Amphibians of the Dubbo area, see here: Amphibians of Dubbo.pdf

Barking Marsh Frog (Limnodynastes fletcheri)
Photo by Sky Kidd