Prehensile Tailed Skink

Overview:

The Solomon Island Prehensile Tailed Skink (Corucia Zebrata) is not only the world's largest skink species (up to 32" in length), but it is also a climber! This arboreal species has stepped out of turn taxonomically speaking, in that most of the larger skink species (like blue tongues and shingle backs) are primarily terrestrial. That's not to say that there are no other arboreal skinks - that's certainly not the case. But the genus Curucia has definitely broadened its relations with isolated evolution - they are totally unique! It is important to note that there is one subspecies recognized as Corucia Zebrata Alfredschmidti. This Northern variety can be identified by the solid black eyes as apposed to having a brown/hazel iris like Corucia Zebrata. There are also localities among the subspecies that dictate patterns and colors (ranging from dark greens to dark orange) but many will look quite similar. All localities are distributed through Forested areas and are used to a tropical climate - being that the Solomon Islands are in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Social Behavior:

Prehensile Tailed Skinks are a socially complex species. They live in small Family groups of one male and a small harem of females (usually 2 or 3) this is uncommon behavior for reptiles, and referred to as a circulus. Both males and females become aggressively territorial with any unfamiliar individuals (of the same species or otherwise). This behavior comes into play when a circulus rears their offspring, where all members work to protect not only their territory but also the baby itself. Quite useful considering these skinks give live birth to a single (and large) baby. This baby will gestate in the female for about 8 months, and will stay within the circulus for up to a year. Baby corucia have also been seen consuming fecal matter from the adults, this behavior is important in the wild for the development of the young skink's digestive track - ultimately aiding the digestion of plant matter. This diurnal species will spend most of the day up in the trees foraging around for meals. Food is their primary agenda!

Diet and Supplementation

Corucia are primarily herbivorous, eating specific leaves and fruits (like pothos leaves and figs). In captivity they'll eat a wide variety of greens, lettuce, vegetables, and some fruits in small amounts. They will eat everyday if food is provided. It is important to note that while this animal is for the most part vegetarian, due to it's defensive behavior will bite other animals and if size permits will opportunistically eat them, but this should be avoided in captivity. Powdered supplements are a good way to introduce calcium to the diet, being kept indoors will warrant the use of D3. This can be sprinkled onto leaf matter or mixed into a powdered diet like Repashy Grassland Grazer. One calcium dose per week should keep growth healthy; as they do not grow fast at all (sometimes taking 5 years just to mature). The same schedule can be applied when using a multivitamin (once per week). With this species it is important to keep calcium and vitamin doses separate just to ensure the products do not delude during digestion. Placement of food can be regimented to a single area of the cage (dish or platform) or indiscriminately placed throughout the tank for enrichment (they WILL find it).

Housing:

Before we go into housing it is important to know that introducing unfamiliar skinks presents its own difficulties. Even when space is provided it is important to watch for aggression when housing skinks together. Once it is clear that all skinks are living in a peaceful manner, it is recommended to keep these individuals together year round, as to avoid having to reintroduce and the complications that come along with. SO - what is an appropriate size for housing prehensile tailed skinks? A pair can be maintained in an enclosure approximately 36"x18"x36", the largest exo terra tank is perfect. However, you can always go bigger. Prehensile tailed skinks are quite busy once established to their new home. Changing the décor around is an important form of enrichment. This can be done every few months and does not need to be strictly regimented I am a huge proprietor in this method, and its importance to stimulate the skink's brain (which is kind of an uncommon concern for most reptile keeping). Enclosures should have a thick layer of bark bedding at the bottom to best suit the tropical climate you are trying to replicate. Décor should be very busy, climbing areas should be provided both vertically and horizontally. It's important that these animals are able to level out off the ground, as they bask for even exposure. We as keepers can also assume that it's probably more comfortable for them to eat sprawled out level rather than climbing or hanging while eating - They will do both, but it's important to give them the option.

Heating and lighting:

Even though these skinks are equatorial, tropical, diurnal, arboreal, etc. - They can overheat easily when kept over 85F. 75-85F is the comfort zone during the day, and should not be allowed to drop below 60F at night. Depending on where you live, providing heat can be kept quite minimal. A basking area can be provided with the use of a ceramic heat emitter, or night time bulb to provide 24 hour heat. What is perhaps more important than heat is UVB. 5.0 UVB should be provided across the length of the cage. Light must be allowed to penetrate to at least the mid levels of the tank. Sometimes the use of additional UVB fixtures/bulbs is required due to the dense décor provided in a suitable habitat.

Final Overview:

Solomon Island prehensile tailed skink is a highly coveted reptile that has become quite scarce in captivity in the U.S. Reduced exportation from the Solomon Islands, slow growth/maturity rate, and low reproductive activity has made these skinks an odd occurrence in the reptile trade. Nevertheless, the species has been commonly bred in captivity - it just takes a lot of patience, and the yield is never high. Their social behavior makes keeping these in groups quite rewarding, and even though these animals can be defensive they can become familiar with their care takers. They more or less lumber around so they are not difficult to handle. Overall these animals make for one of the most interesting pet skinks.