Description:
Scientific name: Tribolonotus novaeguineae
Life span: 12+ years
White Eyed Crocodile Skinks resemble little crocodiles in appearance. They resemble crocodiles in appearance thanks to the four rows of backward-facing scales that run the length of their backs. The White Eyed Skinks don’t have the red coloring around their eyes like their Red Eyed Crocodile Skink relatives have. Also, they are harder than their relatives, making them a little simpler to maintain.
Native Region/Habitat
Irian Jaya and New Guinea are the native habitats of White Eyes Crocodile Skinks. Since they are a species that lives on the ground, you can find them both in and near coconut plantations and in tropical rainforests.
Behavior:
Crepuscular in nature, it is a shy lizard that is most active at dawn and twilight. Although it may climb on low-hanging tree branches, it spends the majority of its time on the forest floor, burrowing into soil or leaf litter. It doesn’t ascend trees to their summits. While in discomfort, it makes a sound or vocalizes. When disturbed, the red-eyed crocodile skink acts dead and may drop its tail.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Housing: White Eyes Crocodile Skinks are rather simple to catch. If you’re housing a pair, you need to have a minimum enclosure of 3 feet. If you desire more than one, it’s advisable to keep one male and one female because several males can fight and multiple females can dominate one another.
Humidity: A digital or analogue hygrometer will help you monitor the humidity, which should stay between 70 and 90%.
Temperature: The White Eyed Crocodile Skinks should expect daytime highs of 22oC to 26oC (71.6 to 78.8oF) and nighttime lows of 20oC to 22oC. (68-71.6oF). To help with temperature control and prevent overheating, it is always preferable to connect the heat bulb to a dimmer thermostat. Due to the skinks’ nocturnal habits, you can use an infrared lamp at night and a daylight basking bulb during the day to continue observing them. The best thermometer to use to check the enclosure’s temperature is a digital one that can be moved around to get readings in different places.
Feeding: Although White Eyes Crocodile Skinks will consume a wide range of live foods, we have found that they like roaches, mealworms, earthworms, and waxworms. Also, the diet should be sprinkled with a quality calcium supplement three times per week and a vitamin powder once or twice per week.
Table
