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Tanimbar Island Blue Tongued Skink
Tiliqua scincoides chimaerea
-7.7273, 109.023
Field Notes
Description:
The Tanimbar is an absolute stunning species, but is known for having very unusual irascible behavior. They're not a hefty species, rarely growing longer than 18 inches, and they grow very slowly into adulthood. This species is also known for turning a resplendent silvery color as seen below, especially with age. The more intensely 'argental' colored species are generally referred to as 'Silver Tanimbars'. This isn't an albino specimen however, as you can see the eyes are black. Albino's have a pink or blue iris, and usually a red pupil. A few other standout features of the Tanimbar is their incredibly glossy and fulgent skin. It's like glass. Have a look at pictures 2, 4 and 5—their skin just gleams and coruscates in the slightest sunlight. Occasionally, specimens will also display a shimmering 'sea green' colored side marking.
Habitat:
The Tanimbar Islands (or Tenimbar Islands) are a group of about 30 islands, (2,100 square miles [5,440 sq km]) They are east of Indonesia in the Banda Sea, between the Aru Islands and Timor in the Moluccas. The largest of the group is Yamdena, and Saumlaki is the chief town. Important products are copra, tortoiseshell, and trepang. The group is also called Timorlaut. I inserted another copy of the map below so you can reference and compare the locations easier.
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