Cunningham's Skink

(Egernia cunninghami)

Live: This lizard lives in the rocky mountainous habitats of eastern and southern Australia.

Habitat: Commonly found living in large colonies within rock crevices and occasionally in hollow logs.

Diet: In the wild this lizard preys on insects, worms and snails. Native berries and ground plants are also part of their diet. In the Zoo they are fed insects, meat, grated fruit and vegetables. 

Breeding: Young are born live, although most other skinks lay eggs.

Status: Common

General: The spines are probably used to wedge themselves into hiding places, which makes it difficult for predators to get them out. Skinks are members of the family Scincidae, one of the largest lizard families. Skinks occur in every continent except Antarctica. They are most abundant in the Australasian and south-east Asian region. Skinks are normally smooth-scaled, with long rounded bodies and tapering tails. Their legs are short because many burrow. Some have reduced legs or none at all. Active during the day, these skinks spend time basking in the sun.

In the Zoo you will probably find them under the heat lamp. The long 'grow light' on the enclosure roof provides simulated sunlight without the risk of harm. These lights are necessary for the health of reptiles kept without access to sunlight.