Biology:Merauke blue tongue skink
| Merauke blue tongue skink | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Tiliqua |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | T. g. evanescens
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| Trinomial name | |
| Tiliqua gigas evanescens Shea, 2000
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The Merauke blue tongue skink (Tiliqua gigas evanescens), also known as the faded blue tongue skink, or giant blue tongue skink, is a subspecies of Tiliqua that is native to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[1] The Merauke blue tongue 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.
Natural habitat
The Merauke blue tongue skink hails from the tropical environment of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.[3]
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
- ↑ "Blue Tongue Skink Species". https://thepetenthusiast.com/blue-tongue-skink-species/. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
- ↑ "The Merauke Blue Tongue Skink". http://bluetongueskinks.net/bmera.htm. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
- ↑ "Image: mapmer.jpg, (600 × 312 px)". http://bluetongueskinks.net/mapmer.jpg. Retrieved 2017-08-26.
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