Prehensile-Tailed Skink

Scientific Name: Corucia zebrata

Order: Squamata (amphisbaenians, lizards and snakes)

Family: Scincidae

Conservation Status

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 

Habitat & Range
Native to the Solomon Islands, the prehensile-tailed skink is strictly arboreal and inhabits the upper canopy of forested areas. It can also be found in trees of semi-cleared areas and cultivated food gardens.
Identification
The head of the prehensile-tailed skink is large and flat with small eyes. These large skinks range in color from dark green to a near black. Black, yellow, and shades of various greens decorate the back, tail, and belly in random spots or stripes. Their scales are smooth and flat. They have a short tongue that is broad, flat and fleshy. These skinks have large powerful claws and a long prehensile tail, which enables them to sustain a rich arboreal life. They can grow to be up to 30 inches long, making them one of the largest of the skinks.
Diet
The prehensile-tailed skink is almost exclusively herbivorous, eating fruits and vegetables, however they will consume the occasional insect.
Reproduction & Lifespan
The female prehensile-tailed skink gives birth to her young as opposed to laying eggs. Their gestation period is relatively long, averaging 6 to 8 months. Females give birth to only 1 offspring per season. On average, a prehensile-tailed skink can live for 25 to 30 years.
Fantastic Fact
Prehensile-tailed skinks are among a rare group of reptiles that form communal groups (called a circulus). When offspring reach the age of 1, they are expelled from the group and move on to form their own circulus. Occasionally, a family will allow an outsider to join their group by “adopting” an orphaned young skink.

Prehensile-Tailed Skink

Conservation Status

About

Find me at EPZ

Habitat & Range

Identification

Diet

Reproduction & Lifespan

Fantastic Fact