Skinks: Scincidae

Physical characteristics: Large in size, the prehensile-tailed skink can grow to 30 inches (76 centimeters) in length from head to tail. A prehensile (pri-HEN-sihl) tail is one adapted for grasping like a monkey's tail. It has a muscular tail, a large head, and clawed legs on a thick grayish to brownish green body. Its underside is lighter green. The males usually are a bit thinner than the females and have a slightly bigger head.

Geographic range: They live east of New Guinea on the Solomon Islands.

Habitat: Prehensile-tailed skinks spend much of their days hidden among the leaves high up in trees, especially the strangler fig tree, or Unlike the vast majority of other skinks, the prehensile-tailed skink is a strict vegetarian and particularly likes leaves and flowers it finds in the trees. (Illustration by Barbara Duperron. Reproduced by permission.) in holes in tree trunks or branches. They become active at night when they look for food.

Diet: Unlike the vast majority of other skinks, this species is a strict vegetarian and particularly likes leaves and flowers it finds in the trees.

Behavior and reproduction: Active at night, this skink usually spends its time slowly and calmly climbing on tree branches. When it feels threatened, it will hiss and even bite if necessary. Females usually give birth to just one baby at a time.

Prehensile-tailed skinks and people: Native people eat this skink. Other people often see them in zoos or other lizard exhibits, and some keep them as pets.

Conservation status: Although the prehensile-tailed skink is not listed as endangered or threatened, it faces a serious threat from overcollection by the pet trade. ∎