Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello! I've been trying to do some research on PTS, but can't really find a very good website with info on them. I have a BTS, and love him to pieces, but want to try my hand at caring for a PTS. I recently got to see one up close at a reptile show, but she looked very unhealthy, and the people that were selling her didn't know anything about her, so i decided to wait. So i guess my questions would be where to find some good info on them, and if anyone knows of a trustworthy dealer. I've seen them on various websites for sale, and in the classifieds, but i'm still not sure how i feel about shipping animals long distnaces. Any help would be awesome. Thanks guys!

np

Prehensile Tailed Skink...sorry. In my mind everyone knew what i was talking about. Hehe

PTS can make fantastic pets. Personally I think they're a bit harder to maintain properly than BTS. They require a larger cage, and higher humidity, but temps are lower - which is nice. Lots of climbing areas and hides are a must.

For good info I recommend that you purchase either John Coborn's or Philipe de Vosjoli's book on them. There have also been a few magazine and journal articles that can be helpful if you can find them. I've attached a link (I hope) that will take you to a helpful bibliography.

There are also a few important considerations before you buy. First, decide now how often you will have time to handle your skink. With regular handling PTS can be wonderful, friendly pets. Without it they can be holy terrors with razor sharp claws, pointy little teeth and powerful jaws. Bites and scratches are not fun! I've chosen not to "tame" my skinks, and I definitely have to be careful when working with them.

Second, PTS are believed to be critically threatened in their home range (Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea). Export from the Solomons is currently illegal and should remain so as long as the Australian government is in control. Once they pull out who knows what will happen? The point is that if you choose to buy a wild-caught animal you may be helping to hasten the estirpation or extinction of these gorgeous animals in the wild.
There are those who would argue that if you buy wild-caught at this point than it's a long-term captive so it's okay. I argue that buying *any* wild-caught animal provides a perceived need that the market will strive to fill once sanctions are lifted (and sometimes before!). There are breeders out there. You just have to look around to find them. And the benefits of buying captive bred are that you'll be able to get a juvenile that is easier to tame (and may already be tame if the breeder took the time) and is much healthier.

I hope this helps a bit. I am completely enamored of these animals and could talk about them all day. However, I've probably given you more than you wanted already. If you have more questions, please ask and I'd love to tell you anything I know.

-Z
Link