It is duct tape, I've checked it every day ( because I have read about scales being torn off on it) and none of the "sticky side" is exposed, so I thought it would be fine if I kept a close eye on it. If not I'll take it out, I would just feel bad because he absolutely loves climbing across it.
Only reason I put the duct tape around this piece of wood is because the wood is painted and treated.
And thank you! He's on a 5day feeding schedule, such a great eater for me. (Though the owner I took him from said he was "picky" and hardly ate.)
I'm very happy with how he's changed.