Paignton Zoo is home to just one of these vibrant little skinks. You can find them in our Tropical Trails exhibit.
This species of skink is quite the climber, they are known as an arboreal species meaning they spend most of their time high up climbing up and down tree trunks and branches. So, if you can’t spot them in their enclosure have a look up high!
Emerald tree skinks are found throughout Southeast Asia and Oceania, including countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. They prefer tropical rainforests but can adapt to various environments, including urban areas.
Interesting facts!
- Like many skinks, the emerald tree skink has the ability to drop its tail as a defence mechanism when threatened by predators. The tail will eventually regenerate, although it may not be as long or vibrant as the original.
- Emerald tree skinks are incredibly quick and agile, darting between branches or across surfaces to escape predators. Their speed, coupled with their strong climbing abilities, makes them hard to catch by predators.
- These skinks are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, and they enjoy basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature.
Conservation
The emerald tree skink is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This means that, at present, the species does not face any significant threats that would put it at risk of extinction in the near future. This is due to their broad geographic range across Southeast Asia and parts of Oceania, which helps buffer the species from localised habitat loss. This widespread distribution contributes to its “Least Concern” status.