Prehensile-tailed skinks are very unique reptiles. They are the longest species of skinks reaching up to 32 inches in length. As their name suggests they have a prehensile tail, meaning they can grip objects with their tail. This is useful for these skinks since they are arboreal (live in the trees).
They are native to the Solomon Islands, a group of islands just northeast of Australia.
They are one of the few reptiles that live in family groups. Prehensile-tailed skinks are viviparous, they give birth to live young. After a gestation period of 6 to 8 months. The female gives birth to a single live offspring. The offspring then stays with its parents/family group for six to twelve months. This is very rare among reptiles.
The combination of having a small native range and slow reproductive rates makes the prehensile-tailed skink population extremely vulnerable. Major threats include deforestation from logging and the illegal pet trade.
Eye of the Wild Photography 