Habitat: Woodland and Forests of Eastern Australia
Status: Least Concern
DAK Locale: Rafiki's Planet Watch
The name of this lizard comes from, as I am sure you can guess, its bright blue tongue. The animal uses it as a defensive measure, essentially trying to freak out would be predators with its bright color accompanied with a viscous hiss. The species found at the Animal Kingdom is common in eastern Australia. There are other types of blue tongued skinks are found throughout the continent and Indonesia.
These animals are omnivores eating all types of plant and flesh. They commonly eat insects, snails, flowers and fruits. They do not have teeth but the jaw is powerful and can cling onto adversaries including potential predators. They are typically diurnal using the sun to heat up and search for food. It can, like some other lizards, detach the tail in an emergency. It will eventually grow back.
Most species of the blue tongued skink are doing well with stable populations. They are very popular in the pet trade, due to their gentle demeanor and relatively easy care. Despite this popularity they are still quite common in the Australian wild.
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