Northern Blue Tongue Skink   "Blizzard"
Scientific name: Tiliqua scincoides intermedia
Habitat: The drier, northern part of Australia
Time at Explorit: 1.5 years

Skinks are much sought after pets because they are intelligent, large and easy to care for animals. This has led to some problems with them being captured in the wild and sold. With this in mind Explorit found a respected captive breeder from whom Blizzard was purchased.

Skinks will open their mouths, curl their tail towards their head and hiss when threatened by a mammal or reptile. The blue tongue of the skink contrasts with the bright pink interior of its mouth creating a startling color combination, while the curled tail creates the illusion the skink is larger than it is. This typically deters smaller predators, although skinks can also have a strong bite they will use as a last resort. They can also use that strong bite to eat some of their favorite snacks, such as snails, crickets, and worms. Skinks will also eat small berries and other fruit they find while foraging in the forest.