Wp/nys/Yoorn (Bobtail)

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Yoorn is known in English as the Bobtail. Its scientific name is Tiliqua rugosa. Three of the four subspecies of Tiliqua rugosa live in WA:

  • T. r. rugosa: bobtail or Western shingleback – Western Australia
  • T. r. asper: Eastern shingleback – Eastern Australia
  • T. r. konowi: Rottnest Island bobtail or Rottnest Island shingleback – Wadjemup (Rottnest Island)
  • T. r. palarra: Northern bobtail or Shark Bay shingleback – Shark Bay
Western shingleback

Yoorn has a heavily armoured body and a bright blue tongue, and it can be found in various colours, ranging from dark brown to cream. It has a short, wide, stumpy tail that resembles its head and may confuse predators. The tail also contains fat reserves, which are drawn upon during brumation in winter. Yoorn is an omnivore; it eats snails and plants and spends much of its time browsing through vegetation for food. It is often seen sunning itself on roadsides or other paved areas.

Bush medicine

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Ailing health was treated by eating cooked yoorn, carda (goanna) or nyingarn (echidna).[1]

Ngiyan waarnk

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  1. Vivienne Hansen and John Horsfall. "Get well soon, the Noongar way". Australian Geographic. 1 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2019