Cunningham’s Skink
Scientific Name: Egernia cunninghami
Size: Snout Vent Length 250mm
What does it look like?
The Cunningham’s Skink is a large, robust skink with prominent keeled scales on back and tail, and short legs. Variable colouration and patterning. Brown, reddish-brown or black above, often with numerous scattered paler spots and flecks. Underparts whitish with darker mottling or banding on throat. Individuals in southern parts of range tend to be darker and more prominently patterned than elsewhere.
Where is it found?
South-eastern Australian mainland along Great Dividing Range and associated slopes from south-eastern Qld, through NSW to central Victoria. Also in Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula SA.
What are its habitats & habits?
Cunningham’s Skink is generally associated with rocky areas in forests and open woodland, where it is active from dawn to dusk, sheltering during the night in rock crevices. Largely omnivorous, feeding on vegetable matter, including fruits, leaves and seeds, various invertebrates and occasionally small lizards. Viviparous, with up to 8 (average 6) young in a litter. Often seen basking on rocks.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
