Prickly adaptations

These Aussie skinks have some unique adaptations to keep them safe – such as sharp scales and a long spiky tail that they use to deter predators. Cunningham skinks are a saxicoline species, which means they have a strong association to rocky outcrops. They can squeeze themselves into very small crevices between rocks or under logs to hide from danger, with their scales anchoring them into place. Once within this tight space, they can inflate their lungs with air to make themselves bigger and therefore even harder for a predator to dislodge.

At the Zoo

Meet our Cunningham’s skinks:

Originally from Australia, these reptiles love the heat. Their habitat has lots of rocks for them to bask on during the day. The glass windows all around the habitat provide lots of natural light, but the skinks also have heat lamps during the colder months to keep them warm.

You can find the Cunningham’s skinks on the Australia Bush Track. If you visit and can’t see them at first, take a closer peek at the rocks – there are lots of crevices and stacked rocks for the skinks to shelter in. They can squeeze a lot of family members in one crevice!

In the Wild 

Origin: Australia

Habitat: Rocky wooded areas

Conservation status: IUCN – Least Concern

How you can help 

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