It commonly occurs in the strangler fig tree (Ficus sp. Captive Bred Reptile. According to herpetologists who study the Solomon Islands skink, such as Dr. David Kirkpatrick and the late Dr. Kevin Wright, captive breeding alone is not practical as a sole method of species survival due to the limited number of offspring and long gestation periods.[7][18]. [10], The Solomon Islands skink is the world's largest species of extant skink; adults can reach a length of 32 inches (81 cm) from nose to the tip of their tail when fully grown, with the tail accounting for more than half this length. Extensive logging is a serious threat to the survival of this species. They say the monkey tails are the best pet reptile. Male Monkey Tail / Solomon Island Skink Corucia zebrata for sale. An adult must have a minimum cage size of 30” long at least, 12” deep x 12” high. Solomon Island Skinks have very delicate toes. The Solomon Islands skink is completely herbivorous, eating many different fruits and vegetables including the pothos plant. Sign In . These skinks are known to become busy moving around when they are established in their new homes. [7] At least one instance of triplets has occurred according to herpetologist Bert Langerwerf. Like snakes, the skink "smells" by flicking its tongue to gather scents and when the tongue is retracted, it touches it to the opening of a Jacobson's organ at the roof of its mouth. [18] The newborn skink is of a large size compared to its mother; the northern Solomon Islands skinks are approximately 29 centimetres (11 in) in length and weigh 80 grams (0.18 lb), whereas the common Solomon Islands skinks are 30 centimetres (12 in) and 175 grams (0.386 lb) when they are born. If housing them in wire mesh enclosures always use plastic coated wire. [12] Males have a V-shaped pattern of scales just aft of the cloacal opening, which is not present in female skinks. According to Dr. Gunther Köhler, who described the northern subspecies, this subspecies possesses "larger dorsal and ventral scales" and has "seven instead of usually five parietal scales". Monkey-tailed skinks are not only the largest skink in the world, they are also herbivorous and arboreal. Solomon Islands Skink, Giant Skink, Zebra Skink, Monkey Skink, Prehensile-tailed skink. It should be noted that the Solomon Island prehensile-tailed skink is notorious for the frequency and distinctive smell of its … The reptile store near me does not carry them, but does special orders. Description: Lanky, cylindrical lizards with long tails. Schmidt. Requires a vivarium with lots of climbing branches / surfaces. [2] Male Solomon Islands skinks tend to have a broader head and a more slender body shape than do female skinks. [11], The Solomon Islands skink has a long, slender body, strong, short legs, and a triangular shaped head with small round eyes. The species of skink has a heavy body found in various colors. [2] The toes on all four legs have thick, curved nails used for climbing and gripping tree limbs. [9] The skink has a strong crushing jaw but the teeth are small and used for eating plant material. Description Large greenish-brown lizard with a large head; an elongated body; long, muscular tail; and long, sharp nails. Consumption for food by indigenous Solomon Islanders and excessive pet trade exports have affected wild populations. Howling Mad "Murdock" aka Murdy, Murd, Murdo, Kissy-Lips, Psycho On the 22nd July 2007, we drove a marathon run of 360miles to Stoke to pick up a new trio of monkey tails, following a decision to focus on this species for the future. Search. Image of nature, blue, background - 117870517 [1] Its specific name zebrata is a Latinized form of the word zebra, in reference to the animal's zebra-like stripes. They are herbivores and enjoy pothos plants which must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any chemicals. [12] Females exhibit fierce protective behavior around the time of birth; this protectiveness of young is a rare occurrence in reptiles but is shorter in duration when compared to the protective behavior exhibited by a typical mammal. A pair can be maintained in an enclosure approximately 36"x18"x36", the largest exo terra tank is perfect. Choosing the best kind of cage or enclosure for your Blue Tongued Skink pet is the most beneficial thing you can do for your pet. Family: Scincidae. [7] Almost all births are single babies but occasionally twins will be born. Cage - Monkey tails are arboreal so provide a vertically oriented cage. Both male and female specimens are known to be territorial and often hostile towards members not a part of their family group. Bougainville and Buka are geographically part of the Solomons Archipelago, though politically part of Papua New Guinea. A shedding skink sheds from the tip of his nose to the tip of the tail, rarely in a big sheet but more in many pieces. Monkey-tailed skinks (Corucia zebrata) are available IN-STORE ONLY at the Reptilestore.ca! Some of its common names (prehensile-tailed skink, monkey-tailed skink, monkey skink) refer to its fully prehensile tail which the species uses as a fifth limb for climbing. The Solomon Islands skink (Corucia zebrata), also known as prehensile-tailed skink, monkey-tailed skink, giant skink, zebra skink, and monkey skink, is an arboreal species of skink endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago.It is the largest known extant species of skink. The baby skink eats this immediately after birth. [7], Extensive logging is a serious ongoing threat to the survival of this species, as is consumption for food by native people, and export demand for the pet trade. The Solomon Islands skink (Corucia zebrata), also known as prehensile-tailed skink, monkey-tailed skink, giant skink, zebra skink, and monkey skink, is an arboreal species of skink endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago. The northern subspecies (C. z. alfredschmidti) is known from the islands of Bougainville and Buka and the Shortland Island Group. It is one of the few species of reptile known to function within a social group or circulus. Size . The head of the skink is almost the same as the tail of the species. [13][14] This includes the somewhat toxic (due to high concentrations of calcium oxalate) Epipremnum pinnatum (cf. The cage will be your pet’s home and you need to make sure that the reptile is most comfortable in it and has plenty of space to move about. Prehensile tailed skinks are quite busy once established to their new home. Dehydration is one of the largest causes of reptile death. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. [2], As a crepuscular animal, it is most active during the dusk and dawn hours, feeding primarily at dusk. The Solomon Islands skink was first described by John Edward Gray in 1855 as Corucia zebrata. Blue-tailed Skink The blue-tailed skink is a smooth and slender species of lizards that can grow up to a maximum length of about 20 cm. Larger blue tongue skinks like Northerns will be happiest in something larger than a 40 gallon, while smaller-sized skinks can do in a 40 gallon breeders’ or larger. Because of the large size requirements for prehensile-tailed skink enclosures AND their need for a higher humidity level, it is often difficult to keep the required humidity level high. it also is active and eats during the hours of dawn, though to a lesser extent. Live young, too. Monkey-tailed Skink. Jack Magnus Date: February 01, 2021 The prehensile-tailed skink is native to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea..