solomon islands solomon islands known tailed monkey tailed giant monkey species endemic solomon islands archipelago largest known extant species solomon islands completely eating different fruits vegetables including plant species known function social group male female specimens known territorial hostile members family group genus containing single species determined subspecies solomon islands common monkey tailed northern monkey tailed northern smaller darker eyes black extensive logging threat survival species consumption food indigenous excessive pet trade exports affected wild populations export species restricted animal protected cites appendix taxonomy etymology solomon islands described generic derives latin word meaning reference gray description play colors effect body scales specific form word reference animal like stripes common names tailed monkey tailed monkey refer fully tail species uses fifth limb climbing appearances vary island island subspecies western islands described honor german amateur closest living relatives blue genus genus new_guinea indonesia found subfamily distribution habitat solomon islands native group islands south west pacific_ocean common subspecies found islands solomon islands northern subspecies known islands geographically politically subspecies solomon islands strictly usually inhabiting upper canopy forested areas range commonly occurs tree provided growth food plants present occurs trees semi cleared areas cultivated food gardens provided food plants occur biology solomon islands world largest species extant adults reach length inches nose tip tail fully grown tail accounting half length solomon islands long slender body strong short legs triangular shaped head small round eyes strong crushing jaw teeth small eating plant material tail helps maneuver branch branch ease gives common names monkey tailed tailed monkey male solomon islands tend broader head slender body shape female males pattern scales aft opening present female scales solomon islands dark green light brown black scales underside vary light yellow different shades green toes legs thick curved nails climbing gripping tree limbs animal active dusk dawn hours feeding primarily dusk active eats hours dawn lesser extent good relies identify threats potential food relies heavily sense smell uses identify territory members group called like snakes tongue gather tongue retracted touches opening organ roof mouth subspecies common white eyes northern black iris northern mix green yellow iris common vary different shades green orange dark black according described northern subspecies subspecies possesses larger dorsal ventral scales seven instead usually scales northern shorter subspecies males averaging inches females averaging inches length measured nose tip tail common solomon islands slightly longer males averaging inches females averaging inches measured nose tip tail common solomon islands grams weighs northern weighs closer grams diet solomon islands feeding leaves flowers fruit growing shoots different species plants includes somewhat toxic high concentrations calcium plant eats ill juvenile eat adults order acquire essential digest food newborn observed consuming sac birth feed food days reproduction solomon islands species lives communal group known solomon islands viviparous female provides young born gestation period months rare trait reptiles newborn large size compared mother northern approximately centimetres length weigh grams common solomon islands centimetres grams born reduced size led curator reptiles compare human mother giving birth year old single babies occasionally twins born instance occurred according newborn stay months time protected parents unrelated adult group year age earlier juvenile form new family group individuals documented stay group expelled adult known adopt orphaned young groups females exhibit fierce protective behavior time birth young rare occurrence reptiles shorter duration compared protective behavior exhibited typical conservation threats extensive logging ongoing threat survival species consumption food native people export demand pet trade large numbers exported pet trade small region native low reproductive rate listed cites appendix animal allows limits placed number animals commercial trade countries regulation rapid occurring limited export recognized institutions needed aid species genetic diversity survival breeding programs according study solomon islands late captive breeding practical sole method species survival limited number offspring long gestation periods captivity solomon islands represented public private collections bred multiple generations past years keeping solomon islands captivity challenges large tropical animal requires large enclosure constant temperature degrees heat provided allowing heat dusk providing heat aid dynamics means groups new animals introduced despite successful breeding programs somewhat unique nature single slow growth programs challenging cared monkey tailed live thirty years balanced diet consisting primarily green beans cooked sweet potato supplemented fruit apple access large shallow clean water source aid increasing longevity bathing shallow lukewarm water beginning monthly shed greatly reduces stress inherent speeds process biologist noted significant number different islands resulted non productive unions theory differences animals different islands pairing different frustrating captive breeding attempts
Solomon Islands skink