Prehensile-tailed Skink
Corucia zebrata
CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata
SUBORDER: Sauria
FAMILY: Scincidae
SIZE:
Up to 32 inches in length; half of the body length is the tail which is prehensile; 14 - 18 ounces in weight
RANGE:
Solomon Islands, South Pacific
HABITAT:
Tropical rain forests
DIET:
Wild - Primarily vegetation
Zoo - Lettuce, greens, spinach, fruits, other vegetables
DESCRIPTION:
It is the largest known species of skink; body scales are large and few in number. Upper side of body is greenish-white with brown bands, sometimes whith black spots. Head is occasionally reddish-brown, with the underside white.
FACTS:
Arboreal, unlike other skinks; primarily nocturnal. Tail can be used like an extra appendage, but lacks tail autonomy (allows tails to breakoff); claws and strong digits allow climbing. Also known as giant skink or monkey tail skink.
YOUNG:
6 - 7 moths gestation before giving birth to one live young; large young 6 - 9 inches in length
STATUS:
CITES App. II; being overcollected for the pet trade
REFERENCES:
"Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia" Vol. 6, Reptiles, Dr. Bernhard Grzimek
Rolling Hills Refuge resource article -- Prehesile-tailed Skink, http://www.rhrwildlife.com/pts.htm
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