Prehensile-tailed skink

Corucia zebrata

REPTILE
Order Squamata

Description
Largest known living species of skink, reaching a length of 32 inches. Color: body is olive to green, with scattered black scales on the back and legs.

Range
Solomon Islands.

Status
Over collection for the pet trade and logging are still a concern. The Solomon Islands government has regulated trade on these and other reptiles to help avoid endangerment.

Habitat
Tropical rain forests.

Niche
Nocturnal and herbivorous, feeding mainly on the leaves of the Solomon Islands creeper plant.

Life History
Unlike other skinks, these animals are arboreal, spending little or no time on the ground. They are usually found in the oldest trees in the primary forest. These skinks lack the ability to drop their tails. The tail is used as an extra appendage. Copulation takes place during early evening in the trees, and may last from 5-15 minutes. The gestation is about 6-7 months after which a single (rarely 2) large young will be born.

Special Adaptations

  • Large, strong digits equipped with sharp claws allow the skink to climb with ease.
  • Disruptive color patterns and slow movements help the skink go unnoticed.