animalspot.net
Habitat: Western Africa
Status: Not listed
I love how this Fire Skink (Riopa fernandi) can instantly conjure up images of African sunsets as soon as I lay my eyes on those gorgeous scales. There are smooth, gold ones covering the top of the skink, while red and black bars encased in silver line the sides.
Fire Skinks are naturally shy creatures; they do love their little hiding places and burrows. However, they can become relatively tame if they’re handled regularly in captivity. When first handled though, owners warn that the Skinks can take nasty bites since they have jaws full of sharp razor-like teeth so they definitely recommend wearing gloves until the Skink gets used to you.
Though, I always recommend leaving creatures native to Western Africa… in Western Africa!