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Fast Facts:
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Known by many other names such as Giant skink, Solomon Island skink, monkey-tail skink, it is the largest of the skinks.
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Unlike other lizards, the prehensile-tailed skink does not have the ability to regenerate if its tail should break off when caught by predators.
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Social Structure & Behavior
Spends little time on the ground.
Nocturnal, they hide in tree cavities during the day.
Its large powerful claws and long prehensile tail enable it to cling to trees.
The tail acts like an extra appendage, allowing the skink to climb and hang on to trees. The tail makes up half of the body length. It is usually found in the oldest trees in primary forests.
The skin of the prehensile-tailed skink is smoother and shinier than any other lizard’s and the scales are smooth, flat, and overlapping.
The body of the prehensile-tailed skink ranges in color from dark green to almost black. Black, yellow, and shades of green decorate the back, tail, and belly in random spots or stripes. These color patterns and slow movement help camouflage the prehensile-tailed skink from its enemies.
The strong jaws and short tongue aid it in grasping its prey.
Individuals are identified by smell. Territorial disputes erupt between males.
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