Wp/nys/Yoorn (Bobtail)

Western shingleback

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

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

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