Merauke blue-tongued skink

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 Edit this 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

Natural habitat

The Merauke blue-tongued skink hails from the tropical environment of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[3]

As their namesake, most blue tongue skinks exhibit a bright blue tongue.

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.

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