Misplaced Pages

Merauke blue-tongued skink
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Tiliqua
Species:	T. gigas
Subspecies:	T. g. evanescens
Trinomial name
Tiliqua gigas evanescens Shea, 2000

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. 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, and is steadily growing in popularity within both herpetoculture and zoological exhibits globally.

Natural habitat

The Merauke blue-tongued skink hails from the tropical environment of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

In captivity

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

1. "Blue Tongue Skink Species". thepetenthusiast.com. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
2. "The Merauke Blue Tongue Skink". BlueTongueSkinks.NET. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
3. "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.

• Tiliqua
• Skinks of New Guinea