Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Prehensile-tailed skink Latin Name: Corucia zebrata Class: Reptiles & Amphibians Order:    Sauria 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.

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Range
Solomon Islands

Status
Capture for the pet trade and habitat loss due to logging are concerns. 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 time on the ground. Prehensile-tailed skinks are usually found in the oldest trees in the primary forest. They lack the ability to drop their tails when attacked. Copulation takes place during early evening in the trees, and may last from 5-15 minutes. Gestation is about 6-7 months after which a single (occasionally a pair) large offspring will be born.

Special Adaptations

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