SKINKS

  Blue-tongued lizards are the largest members of the skink family and have overlapping scales that are usually smooth and contain small plates of bone. They’re an excellent addition to our gardens as they eat insects, slugs and snails. Their slow moving animals which sadly places them in harms way of cars, cats & dogs. A large number of this species is killed every year by Domestic Pets and poisonous snail pellets.  Their docile animals and can live in harmony with residents in the same area for years 

  Pink Tongued Skinks grow to around 30 cm and have a broad head, distinct  slender body and long prehensile tail. The tongue is pink in most adults but blue in juveniles. Colour can range from a pale brown, to pinkish brown to grey. 

Some have bands across the body while others don't.  Bands are always present in juveniles. They often show aggressive behaviour to protect themselves and make a hissing noise when threatened.  Ability to climb often finds them in tree hollows and hanging baskets.   

   Verreaux’s Skink is worm or snake-like in appearance with a long body and short weak limbs, each of which have 3 digits.. They grown to approx 30 cm and are brown to grey on the top with a creamy-yellow band across the base of the head. This band is more prominent in juveniles and tends to fade with age.  This Skink is often wrongly identified as a juvenile Eastern Brown.  Skinks are harmless and should be gently returned back into your Garden under leaves or compost heaps for their protection