Blue-Tongued Skinks E-Book

David C. Wareham

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2014

Seitenzahl: 141

Beschreibung

Blue-tongued skinks are unique reptiles that are popular among reptile enthusiast not only for their characteristic blue tongue, but also for their ease of keeping. The newest addition to the highly regarded Advanced Vivarium Systems series, Blue-Tongued Skinks is an essential guide to keeping these eye-catching reptiles; it contains useful information for all reptile keepers, whether you are a prospective buyer, a new skink owner or an experienced reptile owner. Blue-Tongued Skinks addresses every question that may arise when caring for a blue-tongued skink, including the breed's history, care, feeding and vivarium needs.

Leseprobe

Blue-Tongued Skinks

Project Team

Lead Editor: Jennifer Calvert

Art Director: Cindy Kassebaum

i-5 PUBLISHING, LLCTM

Chief Executive Officer: Mark Harris

Chief Financial Officer: Nicole Fabian

Vice President, Chief Content Officer: June Kikuchi

General Manager, i-5 Press: Christopher Reggio

Art Director, i-5 Press: Mary Ann Kahn

Vice President, General Manager Digital: Jennifer Black

Production Director: Laurie Panaggio

Production Manager: Jessica Jaensch

Marketing Director: Lisa MacDonald

Dedication: To Nathan

Copyright © 2014 by i-5 Publishing, LLCTM

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of I-5 PressTM, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

LCCN: 96-183295

ISBN-10: 1-882770-99-4

ISBN-13: 978-1-882770-99-1

eBook ISBN: 978-1-62008-073-3

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.

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Introduction

At one time almost completely ignored by lizard keepers, blue-tongued skinks (part of the genus Tiliqua), with their distinctive berry-blue tongues, have become extremely popular. While most blue-tongued species exhibit a certain amount of variability in both pattern and color, those with greater variability—the Eastern (T. s. scincoides) and Blotched (T. nigrolutea), for example—can fetch exceptionally high prices whenever they become available.

Today, members of the blue-tongue family are generally considered the most popular, intelligent, and undemanding of pet lizards. Because they are slow moving (due to their short limbs), quickly tamed, and trustworthy in the presence of children, blue-tongued skinks are suitable for even first-time lizard keepers, both young and old. In addition, these reptiles only occasionally need live food, which is good news for those who don’t like the thought of having to bring crickets, roaches, and other insects into their homes.

These interesting and relatively hardy lizards eat a variety of foods, are easy to maintain in very basic set-ups, and usually settle down quickly and live for many years in captivity, growing into medium-size, submissive, approachable, and clever pets. That said, you’ll need to take some simple measures right from the start if you want caring for your skink to be trouble-free.

Whether you are an advanced keeper or a beginner, this book gives you all of the information you’ll need to care for and reproduce these wonderful reptiles

2. Common Blue-Tongued Skinks

Throughout the pages of this book, you’ll see references to individual species. While a particular breed may have a reputation for being placid, easy to handle, ideal for the beginner, or good with children, there is always an exception to the rule. A great deal of your skink’s behavior will depend on how you keep it and how often and how carefully you handle it. That said, getting to know the different species a bit better before you buy a skink will help ensure that you’ll be happy with your choice.

Wild blue-tongued skinks are confined entirely to Australasia, with six types occurring on mainland Australia itself: the Western (Tiliqua occipitalis), the Centralian (T. multifasciata), the Eastern (T. scincoides scincoides), the Northern (T. s. intermedia), the Blotched (T. nigrolutea [the only species to occur in Tasmania]), and the Pygmy (T. adelaidensis). The Indonesian blue-tongued skink, T. gigas gigas, occurs in Papua New Guinea and on a few Indonesian islands with two subspecies: the Kei Island (T. g. keyensis) and the Merauke (T. g. evanescens).

Indonesian Blue-Tongued Skink,Tiliqua gigas gigas

This species is sometimes known as the New Guinea blue tongue, and it is one of the most familiar and commonly kept blue-tongued skinks. It is also known in some parts as the great Moluccan skink, although this name is not often used today. This species can be found in Papua New Guinea, Jobi, the Admiralty Islands, New Britain, and the Bismarck Archipelago.

Under optimal conditions, this skink can grow extremely rapidly. Newborn Indonesian blue tongues measure roughly 6 inches (15 cm) in length from head to tail and can double in length every four weeks or so during their first few months of life. In just eighteen to twenty months, they can reach their full adult size of 19.75 inches (50 cm); those inhabiting the Sarong region can grow even longer.

In most New Guinea blue-tongued skinks, the ground color ranges from a golden yellow to a light brown or sometimes a light, almost silvery gray or gray-brown. Most are dappled with fifteen to twenty slender, dark, irregularly shaped bands across the back and tail. These bands may become indistinct or be absent on the tail, which is frequently completely black with occasionally a little speckling of white or brown. Specimens inhabiting the islands of Ceram and Ambon are virtually solid black all over, with little or no brown.

The venter, or underside, can range from cream to orange and may be peppered with black. The short limbs are usually entirely glossy black and may be spotted with white. The large scales on the broad triangular head are very often edged in black, and a single black stripe usually runs down the center of the back of the neck. Occasionally, a dark stripe extends from the neck to the tail. The tongue is, obviously, a vivid berry-blue color and may protrude and roll forward from the deep pink interior of the mouth during a show of aggression.

Two subspecies are recognized: the Kei Island blue-tongued skink (T. g. keyensis), and the Merauke blue-tongued skink (T. g. evanescens).

The Indonesian blue tongue (Tiliqua gigas gigas).

Kei Island Blue-Tongued Skink, Tiliqua gigas keyensis

The Kei Island blue-tongued skink, as its name suggests, occurs on the Indonesian Kei Islands. Keis start developing their adult colors at around two to three months of age. The ground color, although quite variable, is typically greenish, with spots and bands of black or brown mixed with reds, browns, and tans; some specimens also display yellows and oranges. The tip of this blue tongue’s nose (on a rather stout head) is almost always creamy to white.

The Kei differs from the New Guinea subspecies in several ways: Individual Kei specimens are more impressively built and are therefore more energetic and more active. Kei blue tongues have faded and spotted bands (compared to the New Guinea’s well-defined banding) and very pale orange, or even white, bellies (compared to the New Guinea’s darker, often red, stomach). In addition, Keis always have the same markings on their flanks no matter what color they are, whereas the New Guinea blue tongues lack this pattern. Lastly, the Kei’s head is exceptional and, rather than tapering to a tip, has a nose that comes to an abrupt point.

The Kei Island blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas keyensis).

Merauke Blue-Tongued Skink, Tiliqua gigas evanescens

The Merauke blue-tongued skink, known also as the Faded blue tongue, occurs in southern Papua New Guinea and is the longest of the blue tongues. The Merauke often attains lengths of more than 25 inches (63.5 cm), with some adult specimens reaching 30 inches (76 cm).

Juvenile Merauke individuals can sometimes be very tricky to differentiate from New Guinea blue tongues. Generally speaking, though, the Merauke has several features that help in its identification: It has a huge tail that is usually much longer than that of the typical New Guinea. Although many specimens display a faded grey tinge (hence its alternative name), both the tail and the body are generally fresher, and the striped pattern more distinct. The Merauke’s throat lacks any speckling, and its forelegs usually lack the solid black found in the New Guinea.

Although it might not be as eye-catching as some other blue-tongued species, the Merauke can, even if infrequently, show impressive coloration. Generally, though, the species makes up for lack of visual impact by having a pleasantly placid disposition.

The Merauke blue tongue (Tiliqua gigas evanescens).

Centralian Blue-Tongued Skink, Tiliqua multifasciata