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Tribolonotus gracilis, commonly known as the red-eyed crocodile skink, is a species of skink that is endemic to New Guinea, where it lives in tropical rainforest habitats. It was first described by Nelly de Rooij in 1909.[2] It is sometimes kept as an exotic pet.
| Red-eyed crocodile skink | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Tribolonotus |
| Species: | T. gracilis
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| Binomial name | |
| Tribolonotus gracilis | |
Behavior edit
Tribolonotus gracilis is one of the few species of skinks that vocalize[2] when in distress. When startled, they tend to freeze and have been known to "play dead" (even when handled).[3]
Reproduction edit
A male red-eyed crocodile skink can be identified by the white pads (pores) on his feet.[4] Female red-eyed crocodile skinks have two working ovaries, but only the right oviduct is functional; therefore, eggs from the left ovary must migrate across the body cavity prior to oviposition. {[5]} She often curls around the egg and aggressively defends it when approached by a perceived threat. If it is uncovered, she will cover it back up.[6] Male crocodile skinks battle other males.
Captivity edit
Red-eyed crocodile skinks are available in the pet trade, but most are wild-caught rather than captive-bred.[citation needed] Handling is typically very stressful for this species and therefore discouraged.
References edit
- ^ Allison, A., Shea, G., O'Shea, M. & Tallowin, O. 2022. Tribolonotus gracilis (amended version of 2015 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T42485132A217798035. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T42485132A217798035.en. Accessed on 26 February 2024.
- ^ a b c The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ "Red eyed Crocodile Skink care". CHICAGO EXOTICS ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Retrieved 2022-01-17.
- ^ https://www.herpcenter.com/lizard-care-sheets/red-eyed-crocodile-skink-care-sheet/
- ^ Wheeler, Web (3 November 2017). "Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Care And Information". Reptiles Magazine.
- ^ Hartdegen, Ruston W.; Russell, Matthew J.; Young, Bruce (2001-07-18). "Vocalization of the Crocodile Skink, Tribolonotus Gracilis (De Rooy, 1909), and Evidence of Parental Care". Contemporary Herpetology: 1–6. doi:10.17161/ch.vi1.11956. ISSN 1094-2246.
Further reading edit
- de Rooij N. 1909. "Reptilien. (Eidechsen, Schildkröten und Krokodile)." Nova Guinea 5 (3): 375-383. ("Tribolonotus gracilis, n. sp.", pp. 381–382).