Over the last decade, the Solomon Island Skink has been imported into the United States in large numbers. Unfortunately, this species is facing significant habitat loss due to deforestation throughout the South Pacific Islands.
Although these skinks have been readily available in the pet trade, their numbers are expected to decline as they become increasingly threatened in the wild.
More than half of imported skinks arrive either deceased or seriously ill. Proper veterinary care and successful captive breeding programs are important to help prevent this species from becoming endangered or extinct.
Natural History
The Solomon Island Prehensile-Tailed Skink, Monkey-Tailed Skink, and Solomon Island Skink all refer to the same species:
Corucia zebrata
This species is:
- Arboreal (tree dwelling)
- Crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk)
- Herbivorous (plant eating)
They naturally inhabit tropical rainforests.
These attractive lizards occur in several colors including:
- Olive
- Green
- Beige
- Brown
- Yellow
They may also display several patterns including:
- Speckled
- Spotted
- Solid
- Banded
Male skinks generally have:
- Larger square-shaped heads
- More slender bodies
Sex determination should be performed by an experienced professional whenever external differences are not obvious.
Male skinks possess hemipenes that may be everted at the base of the tail.
Their unique prehensile tail allows them to grasp branches while climbing and feeding on foliage.
Caging
Custom-built enclosures are recommended.
Larger enclosures are always preferred.
The minimum enclosure size for a pair of skinks is:
- 4 feet long
- 2 feet wide
- 4 feet high
Single animals may be housed in a modified 55-gallon aquarium.
Every enclosure should include:
- Basking areas
- Numerous climbing branches
- Elevated hiding locations
The dominant skink will usually occupy the highest perch within the enclosure.
Lighting
Full-spectrum ultraviolet lighting is recommended.
Examples include:
- Lumichrome
- Chromalux
- Vita-Lite
- Durotest
Heat may be supplied using:
- Incandescent bulbs
- Chromalux bulbs
Temperature
Because Solomon Island Skinks are crepuscular, they are most active during dawn and dusk.
Recommended temperatures include:
- Daytime enclosure temperature: 80–90°F
- Basking area: Up to 95°F
Proper thermal gradients are important so the animal can regulate its preferred body temperature.
Large enclosures naturally create these temperature gradients.
Heat lamps and infrared heat emitters should remain outside the enclosure or be screened to prevent burns.
Aluminum clamp fixtures work well when the basking light is mounted outside the enclosure.
Feeding and Watering
Fresh water should always be available.
Water bowls should be:
- Heavy enough to prevent tipping
- Cleaned daily
The majority of the diet should consist of green leafy vegetables (50–60%), excluding lettuce.
Recommended greens include:
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Turnip greens
- Dandelion greens
Approximately 30–40% of the diet should consist of:
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Sliced sweet potatoes
Less than 5% of the diet should include:
- Fruit
- Monkey biscuits
For newly acquired or finicky skinks, vegetable baby foods may be offered.
Pothos plant clippings are also commonly accepted.
A calcium supplement is required.
Crushed cherry-flavored Tums tablets may be sprinkled over food:
- Twice weekly for adults
- Three to four times weekly for newborns
All food and supplements should be chopped into small pieces and thoroughly mixed.
This helps prevent selective eating, which may eventually lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Veterinary Care
A complete veterinary examination is recommended shortly after purchase.
Routine deworming should be performed and repeated annually.
Summary
With proper husbandry, Solomon Island Prehensile-Tailed Skinks can live 8–10 years.
Captive breeding plays an important role in preserving this species as tropical rainforest habitat continues to decline due to logging.
Maintaining compatible breeding pairs is encouraged to help support long-term conservation efforts.
