About

Prehensile-tailed skinks have numerous names. A few include monkey-tailed skinks, Solomon Island skinks and Solomon Island green tree skink. They are the only skinks with a prehensile tail, meaning it can be wrapped around branches for balance. They are the largest species of skink and the only completely herbivorous skinks. The skink will get most of its water intake from its diet of foliage, fruit, and vegetables, but may rarely descend to the ground for water.

 

The prehensile-tailed skink is a concern due to capturing for the pet trade and habitat loss from logging. The Solomon Islands government has regulated trade on these and other reptiles to help avoid decreasing populations. Elmwood Park Zoo participates in the Prehensile-Tailed Skink Species Survival Plan, a shared conservation effort by zoos throughout the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Find me at EPZ

Location: This animal is not on exhibit. It is part of our educational collection and may only be seen in programs inside or outside of the zoo.

Arrived at EPZ: Jackie - 03/26/2008