Blue-tongued Skink Natural History
Size
Males and females of this species tend to grow to similar lengths of 15 inches (38cm) and weigh roughly 1.5 lb (680g).
Habitat and Distribution
They inhabit grassy woodlands across the northern, eastern and southern coasts of Australia as well as a smaller territory of central Australia.
Age
Blue-tongued Skinks can live for 20 years in the wild and slightly longer in captivity when well-cared for.
Diet
They feed largely on invertebrates such as snails and beetles as well as some plant matter.
Groups and Breeding
After brumating throughout the summer these skinks will breed which in the southern hemisphere means that the breeding season falls between March and June. They are self-sufficient from hatching when around 10 young may emerge from a clutch.
Threats
The Blue-tongued Skink is listed as least concern by the IUCN and currently considered to have a stable population
Interesting Facts
These reptiles will open their mouth to display their blue tongue, tricking predators into thinking they are ill and would therefore look unappetizing.
The Blue-tongued Skink During Your Day Out in Kent
Here at Wingham Wildlife Park we have two Blue-tongued Skinks which can be seen in the new Reptile House. They share their enclosure with the Yellow-margined Box Turtles.