Approximately 300 species of skink are found in Australia and over 160 members of the scincidae family in Western Australia. This group of lizards are often the most commonly seen for many people in Australia. From the tiny fence skinks (cryptoblepharus sp.) to the large and well known blue tongue skinks (Tiliqua sp.), most households in Australia will have some species living within their yards.
These extremely variable lizards are so diverse in appearance and habits that it is difficult to categorise them simply. Some are arboreal tree climbers, while many burrowing species live their life underground, some lay eggs while others have live young. Some have 4 limbs others have 2 while some have none at all and appear snakelike.
Nearly all skinks have the ability to drop their tails and re-grow a new one. A regenerated tail is often different in appearance to the original and may even develop into two or more tail tips. A few of the larger species do not have the ability to drop their tails, but because of the larger size and more amour-like scales, they have less potential predators.
