a population that is declining. In Australia, there has been a ban on exportation and trading of reptiles. Although there is a ban, the blue tongue is a very popular lizard to trade due its unique tongue color. According to a consensus published in 2017 by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Library, the eastern blue-tongued lizard has a wide distribution and it is categorized as “least concern” in terms of endangerment. Regardless of their stable population, these lizards are protected in Australia as a native species. Government regulations like the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act in 1999 have positively influenced the preservation of the eastern blue-tongued lizard. Close relatives This specific species is closely related to 2 other species, Tiliqua scincoides intermedia and Tiliqua scincoides chimaera. However, they have different habitats. The Tiliqua scincoides scincoides is native to southern and eastern Australia. On the other hand, the Tiliqua scincoides intermedia is native to northern Australia and the Tiliqua scincoides chimaera is native to the Maluku Province in Indonesia. These lizards are found in mixed woodland habitats, semi-deserts, and scrubland areas in Tasmania, Australia, and New Guinea. They can also be found habituating in terrestrial biomes such as scrub forests, grasslands, or the savanna. Diet As an omnivore, the blue tongued skink has a diet that consists of plants, fruits, insects, and other reptiles. Captive studies have been conducted and have shown that high quality dog food is one of the best food sources for these lizards as it has extra minerals and vitamins. These lizards eat during the day and have been labeled as diurnal. Because eastern blue tongued lizards are agile, they frequently consume animals that move more slowly. Typically, they tend to munch on snail shells and beetles. They are able to do so because their jaw muscles are strong and their teeth are large. These lizards also eat crickets and wax worms. Reproductive cycle and parental care The eastern blue tongue becomes sexually mature between 561 and 590 days. The Tiliqua scincoides scincoides is said to be ovoviviparous because the mother lays live young that are more developed than the typical offspring as the young have spent more time developing inside of the mother.The Tiliqua scincoides scincoides is reported to be ovoviviparous, which means eastern blue tongue embryos develop inside eggs that are retained within the mother's body until they are hatched. Since baby lizards