Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata Sauria

Scientific Name: Corucia zebrata

Range: Solomon Islands

Habitat: rainforests

Diet: Wild: Vegetation, often the shoots of a specific vine Zoo: (greens, carrots, fruit - canteloupe, strawberries, apple

Gestation: 6-7 months

Litter: 1-2 live young

Description: Average length is 24+ inches, but may reach a length up to 32 inches, approx. 2/3 of which is a relatively slender but strong prehensile tail. The head is massive and wedge-shaped with a large scale over the snout and very large nostrils. The eyes are often bright orange. Primarily nocturnal but may sleep in plain sight during the day. Although they can move around on the ground, they are almost strictly arboreal. Males are very territorial and generally cannot be kept together in captivity. When mating occurs it seems to take place at sunset. After 6-7 months the female will give birth to 1-2 youngsters that are 10-12 inches long (approx. 1/3 the size of the mother). Highly unusual for a reptile, the mother and young will sometimes remain together for months, (possibly years) defending each other and mutually defending a territory. This is the largest known species of skink

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Yagga Tree at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.