Monkey-Tailed Skink

The Monkey-Tailed Skink, also known as the Prehensile-Tailed Skink, is one of the coolest lizards you'll ever meet! These chunky, green reptiles can grow up to 32 inches long, with nearly half of that being their strong, grasping tail—hence the name. Their scaly skin is a leafy green color, helping them blend perfectly into the treetops where they spend most of their lives. What really makes them stand out (besides that tail!) is their adorable, sleepy-looking face and their gentle, slow-moving nature.

Monkey-Tailed Skinks live high in the rainforest canopies of the Solomon Islands, which are warm, tropical islands northeast of Australia. These forests are humid, lush, and packed with leafy vegetation—perfect for a tree-loving lizard! Since they’re arboreal (that means they live in trees), they use their strong limbs and prehensile tails to grip branches and leaves as they climb and move around. They are most active at night, when the forest cools down a bit and the dangers of predators are lower.

Unlike many reptiles, Monkey-Tailed Skinks are herbivores, munching on leaves, fruits, and flowers. They have a slow metabolism and a chill lifestyle, which fits perfectly with their leafy diet. They also have a unique social side—some live in small family groups and even communicate with each other using soft squeaks and head-bobs! Their presence in the rainforest helps spread plant seeds, which is great for keeping their forest home healthy and growing. Thanks to their gentle personalities and interesting habits, they’ve become favorites at zoos and with reptile fans around the world.

Monkey-Tailed Skink

SPONSORSHIP

CHOOSE A PLAN

Diamond

Platinum

Gold