By The Solomon Islands Skink, also known as the Monkey-tailed Skink or Prehensile-tailed Skink, is an intriguing and unique reptile species. With its fascinating adaptations for arboreal living and captivating appearance, it’s no wonder that many reptile enthusiasts find themselves drawn to this impressive creature. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for the Solomon Islands Skink, including diet, habitat, and tank setup.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Solomon Islands Skink
Scientific Name: Corucia zebrata
Species Group: Skink
Family: Scincidae
Size: This is the largest skink, commonly measuring more than 2 feet in length
Level: Intermediate
Weight: N/A
Dangerous: No
The Solomon Islands Skink is the largest skink species in the world, endemic to the Solomon Islands, which are located in the Pacific Ocean near the equator. This skink is highly arboreal, meaning it spends most of its time in trees. Its unique features, such as their strong prehensile tail, sharp claws, and powerful jaws, make it well-adapted to life in the canopy.
Conservation Status
Although not currently listed as endangered, the Solomon Islands Skink faces threats from illegal exports and habitat encroachment. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species and their natural environment. In the pet trade, it is essential to ensure that any skinks you purchase are captive-bred rather than wild-caught.
Solomon Islands Skink Diet
As herbivores, Solomon Islands Skinks have a diverse diet, consisting primarily of plant materials. In the wild, they consume leaves, flowers, shoots, roots, and fruits. In captivity, it is crucial to mimic this varied diet to maintain their health.
Suitable Food Items
- Green beans: High in vegetable proteins
- Leafy greens: Mustard greens, kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens are all excellent choices
- Cooked sweet potato: Provides essential nutrients
- Fruits: Kiwi, apple, and other fruits can be given as occasional treats
It’s essential to avoid feeding your skink too much fruit, as excessive sugar can be detrimental to their health. Aim to feed fruits only twice a week, and prioritize leafy greens and other vegetables.
Supplements
Solomon Islands Skinks require additional calcium and multivitamins to support their overall health. Both supplements can be found in powder form, which can be sprinkled on their food. Providing a balanced diet and appropriate supplements will help prevent issues such as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).
Solomon Islands Skink Habitat and Tank Setup
Creating a suitable habitat for your Solomon Islands Skink is essential to ensure their health and well-being. As a highly arboreal species, they require a tall enclosure with ample climbing opportunities.
Enclosure Types
Enclosures for Solomon Islands Skinks can be constructed from various materials, such as Plexiglas, plate glass, wood frame, or welded wire. The enclosure should be large and tall, providing plenty of space for the skink to climb and explore. Suitable indoor enclosure options include:
- Converted IBC tote
- Large aquarium
- Custom-built plexiglass, plastic, or glass terrarium
- Wooden terrarium with ventilation and a glass viewing pane
Outdoor enclosures are also an option for those living in climates with suitable temperatures (75-80 °F) and humidity levels (70-90%). An outdoor enclosure should be constructed with a sturdy support structure and protected from adverse weather conditions.
Enclosure Size
Due to their large size and active nature, Solomon Islands Skinks require a spacious enclosure. For a single skink, the enclosure should be at least five feet high, three feet wide, and six feet long. For a pair or small group, a larger enclosure measuring five feet high, five feet wide, and eight feet long is recommended.
Enclosure Design
The design of the enclosure should cater to the arboreal lifestyle of the Solomon Islands Skink. This includes providing:
- Numerous branches, climbing vines, and live plants for climbing and exploration
- Natural-fiber ropes for additional climbing opportunities
- Multiple hides distributed throughout the upper levels of the enclosure
- A basking platform near the heat lamp
- A large water bowl for drinking and maintaining humidity levels
If housing a small group of skinks, ensure there are ample climbing areas to allow for individual space and escape routes if needed.
Temperature and Heating
Solomon Islands Skinks are ectothermic, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature internally and rely on their environment to do so. To accommodate this, a temperature gradient should be provided within the enclosure, including a hot spot, cool area, and appropriate ambient temperatures.
- Hot spot: 90-100 °F
- Cool area: 75-80 °F
- Ambient daytime temperature: 80 °F
- Ambient nighttime temperature: 75 °F
To achieve these temperatures, a combination of heating elements is required. A heat lamp should be positioned 8-10 inches above the basking area, while an under-tank heating pad can help maintain ambient temperatures. A digital thermostat is recommended for accurate temperature management.
Lighting
As diurnal creatures, Solomon Islands Skinks require a full lighting spectrum, with particular attention to UVB light. A full-spectrum LED lighting system is recommended, as it covers most lighting requirements and lasts longer than traditional bulbs. If using halogen bulbs, be sure to replace them every six months to maintain adequate UV output.
A 12-hour photoperiod should be maintained, mimicking the natural day and night cycle experienced in the Solomon Islands.
Humidity
Humidity is particularly crucial for the Solomon Islands Skink, with levels of 70-90% recommended. A large, flat water bowl will help maintain appropriate humidity levels, as will daily misting of the enclosure’s substrate. In drier climates, a reptile mister or humidifier may be necessary to achieve the desired humidity levels. A high-quality hygrometer or digital thermometer hygrometer is essential for monitoring and managing humidity.
Substrate
Suitable substrates for Solomon Islands Skinks include:
- Cypress mulch
- Coco coir
- Orchid bark
These substrates hold moisture well and contribute to maintaining a balanced humidity level within the enclosure. A substrate layer of approximately two inches should be provided, allowing for proper moisture retention through daily misting.
Solomon Islands Skink Temperament
While the Solomon Islands Skink is not inherently dangerous, their temperament can be described as aloof and reserved. These skinks are considered more of a display animal than a hands-on pet, and they often do not enjoy handling. Most will tolerate hand-feeding but may become defensive if touched.
If given space and treated with respect, Solomon Islands Skinks are generally docile and non-aggressive. However, if they feel threatened, they may bite or swipe with their claws, causing mild injury.
Handling Precautions
As mentioned earlier, Solomon Islands Skinks are not typically fond of handling. However, if necessary, they can be carefully handled by approaching from the side and holding their body behind the forelegs. Lift the skink gently but firmly, and minimize handling time to reduce stress on the animal.
Solomon Islands Skink Lifespan
The Solomon Islands Skink is a long-lived species, with a typical lifespan of 25 to 30 years in captivity. A minimum lifespan of 20 years can be expected, making these animals a long-term commitment for any reptile enthusiast.
Breeding
Breeding Solomon Islands Skinks can be an exciting venture for those with a passion for this unique species. These skinks are ovoviviparous, meaning the females produce eggs that are carried internally until the babies hatch and are born as live young. Typically, only one baby is produced at a time, with twins being a rare occurrence.
If you’re keeping a group of skinks, breeding may occur naturally within the group. If housing skinks separately, pairs can be housed together for a couple of weeks to encourage breeding. The gestation period for Solomon Islands Skinks is six to eight months, and it is essential to provide a safe and secure hiding place for the female to give birth.
Pricing and Availability
Due to their unique breeding habits and limited annual production, Solomon Islands Skinks can be quite expensive. Prices for hatchlings can range from $1,300 to $2,000, while adult skinks may be even more costly. When purchasing a skink, ensure it is captive-bred rather than wild-caught to support conservation efforts and avoid potential health issues.
Where to Buy
Solomon Islands Skinks can be found through a variety of sources, including reptile conventions, online reptile marketplaces, and private breeders. Reptile forums and communities can also be a valuable resource for locating reputable breeders and obtaining additional care information.
Conclusion
Caring for a Solomon Islands Skink can be a rewarding and fascinating experience for reptile enthusiasts with a passion for this unique and impressive species. By providing a suitable habitat, balanced diet, and appropriate care, these captivating creatures can thrive in captivity and provide years of enjoyment for their dedicated caretakers.