Shingleback Skink

Hi! I’m a Shingleback Skink

Shingleback Skinks inhabit drier areas of southern Australia, from New South Wales to West Australia. They are one of the largest Australian skinks, and can reach almost 1 kg. They have a blue tongue, large tough scales, and a short stubby tail that mimics their head.

The National Zoo & Aquarium is home to 3 Shingleback Skinks: Alan, Captain, and Sock.

Shingleback Skink Facts

Taxonomy

Tiliqua rugosa

Population Movement

Stable

Current Animals

Sock, Alan, Captain

Life Span (captive)

10 - 15 years

Weight

600 to 900 g

Reproduction

Shingleback Skinks breed once a year, and after a 5 month pregnancy, mothers birth 1-2 live young. Although Shinglebacks live as a solitary species most of the year, the same monogamous pair will reunite to breed.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Group Count

3

Life Span (wild)

Up to 30 years

Size

12-18 inches in length

Gestation

5 months

Distribution

Southern and western Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.