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Distribution and General Characteristics


The Solomon Island Skink, often referred to as the "Prehensile Tail" or "Monkey Tail" skink, is found exclusively on a cluster of small islands in the South Pacific. Their range is primarily the 6 major islands of the Solomon Isles as well as Papua, New Guinea. They are undoubtedly found on many of the over 990 smaller less popular islands in the region as well, but certainly nowhere else in the world. It is also presumed that isolated populations on each island have developed into their own unique "morphs" with distinguishable coloration. Although no subspecies have officially been named, it is possible that the qualifications do exist.

Since the combined land area of the islands is less than that of the state of Maryland, habitat loss to any extent is detrimental. Deforestation for industry and human habitation is taking a tremendously grim toll. It is critical that sustainable breeding populations of corucia zebrata be raised in captivity to ensure the survival of this magnificent species.

Corucia are medium sized lizards that can reach a nose to tip of tail length of 32 inches or more. Unlike most lizards, they do not have the ability to drop and regenerate their tails. They use their tails as a climbing aid as it can support their entire body weight with ease, hence the name "Prehensile Tailed" skinks. Their bite is regarded as powerful and painful for such a small lizard and their teeth, although small, are very sharp. However, these skinks are not quick to inflict a serious bite and will usually, if anything, merely huff and puff to try and intimidate you if they are not able to simply run away. Even with all the bite horror stories, I have never been seriously bitten by a skink. I have received much worse bites from monitors of the same size. I have yet to have a skink bite and refuse to let go - a trait that monitors tend to have. Every time I've been bitten it's been quick and relatively painless. And I never use gloves for handling any reptile. Try to be confident and you'll soon be able to read your animal's behavior and pick him up during any situation without getting snarfed.


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