The Merauke blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua gigas evanescens), also known as the faded blue-tongued skink, or giant blue-tongued skink, is a subspecies of Tiliqua that is native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[1] The Merauke blue-tongued skink is the longest of all the Tiliqua species; often reaching nearly 26-30 inches (66–76 cm) in total length. The species is often exported for the exotic pet trade,[2] and is steadily growing in popularity within both herpetoculture and zoological exhibits globally.
| Merauke blue-tongued skink | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Tiliqua |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | T. g. evanescens
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Tiliqua gigas evanescens Shea, 2000
| |
Natural habitat edit
The Merauke blue-tongued skink hails from the tropical environment of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[3]
In captivity edit
Most specimens of the Merauke blue tongue skink present in captivity are of wild-caught origin. Captive breeding efforts have risen with the growing interest of blue tongue skinks within herpetoculture; however, the species still remains widely imported.
Blue tongue skinks are often displayed within zoological facilities. It is a popular species among herpetoculturists.
References edit
- ^ "Blue Tongue Skink Species". thepetenthusiast.com. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
- ^ "The Merauke Blue Tongue Skink". BlueTongueSkinks.NET. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
- ^ "Image: mapmer.jpg, (600 × 312 px)". bluetongueskinks.net. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
https://www.tiliqua-time.com A care and reference website for all Indonesian blue tongue skink sub-species.