N S W E
Wildlife Expeditions

Wildlife of
Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands captivates wildlife lovers with a rare blend of rainforest endemics and "Coral Triangle"-grade reefs-where you can go from birding for unique island parrots to diving among turtles, sharks, and dazzling coral gardens in a single trip.
87 Species
28,400 km² Land Area
Overview

About Solomon Islands

Spread across hundreds of Melanesian islands, the Solomon Islands' wildlife character is defined by isolation, lush tropical forests, and a sea that teems with life-conditions that have produced high endemism on land and extraordinary diversity underwater. Forested mountains and lowland rainforests shelter distinctive birds (including endemic parrots and raptors), elusive reptiles and amphibians, and large fruit bats that play a key ecological role as pollinators and seed dispersers. For visitors, the appeal lies in the sense of discovery: many species and subspecies are found nowhere else, and wildlife encounters often feel intimate and uncrowded.

The country's key ecosystems form a "ridge-to-reef" tapestry. On land, intact rainforest blocks and freshwater wetlands support island-specialist fauna, while offshore, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangroves underpin fisheries and provide habitat for dugongs, sea turtles, reef sharks, and countless reef fish. Iconic marine settings-such as lagoon systems and fringing reefs-are globally significant as part of the broader Coral Triangle region, noted for peak coral and reef-fish diversity and for its importance to Pacific food security.

In global conservation, the Solomon Islands stands out for community-led stewardship rooted in customary marine tenure and locally managed marine areas, which can protect critical breeding and feeding sites when effectively supported. Conservation priorities are urgent: logging pressure, habitat conversion, overfishing, and climate-driven coral bleaching threaten both terrestrial and marine biodiversity. What makes the wildlife experience unique is the strong connection between people and place-visitors often encounter conservation in action through community-run protected areas and learn how traditional governance and modern science are being paired to safeguard reefs, turtles, and forests.

Physical Features

Geography

The Solomon Islands' wildlife is shaped by a highly fragmented archipelago of mountainous volcanic and uplifted limestone islands. This island-by-island isolation drives high endemism (many species restricted to single islands or island groups), while steep elevation gradients create distinct lowland rainforest, montane/cloud-forest, and riparian habitats in short distances. Extensive coastlines support mangroves, lagoons, seagrass beds, and coral reefs, tightly linking terrestrial forests (sediment/runoff, watershed integrity) to exceptionally diverse marine ecosystems and fisheries.

28,400 km² Land Area
About the size of Albania (and roughly in the 140s globally by land area) Size Rank

Key Landscapes

  • Mountainous volcanic island interiors (steep ridgelines and peaks) supporting montane and cloud forests (e.g., Guadalcanal highlands)
  • Lowland tropical rainforests and foothill forests-core habitat for most endemic birds, bats, and reptiles
  • Uplifted limestone/karst islands and caves (important for roosting bats, swiftlets, and specialized forest communities)
  • Short, fast-flowing rivers and watershed valleys with riparian forests and freshwater stream habitats
  • Coastal plains, beaches, and dune/strand vegetation used by nesting seabirds and turtles in suitable areas
  • Mangrove forests and estuaries-nursery habitat for fish/crustaceans and key shoreline protection
  • Coastal lagoons, seagrass meadows, and fringing/barrier reefs supporting high coral and reef-fish diversity
  • Atolls and remote outer islands (e.g., Ontong Java) with seabird colonies and distinct nearshore marine communities

Ecoregions

  • WWF (terrestrial): Solomon Islands rain forests
  • WWF (terrestrial, outer island group): Santa Cruz Islands rain forests (often treated separately from the main Solomons)
  • Broad ecological zones: lowland tropical moist forest; montane/cloud forest; freshwater river/stream systems; mangroves; coastal strand vegetation
  • Marine (MEOW/biogeographic): Solomon Archipelago (Central Indo-Pacific) coral reef and nearshore ecosystems, within the Coral Triangle influence zone
Parks & Reserves

Protected Areas

Solomon Islands' protected-area system is relatively young and largely community-driven. Under the Protected Areas Act 2010 (and related environmental/wildlife laws), landowners and the national government can declare protected areas, but customary land and sea tenure means most conservation is implemented through locally managed marine areas (LMMAs), community conservation areas, and NGO/tribal conservancies rather than a large national-park network. The strongest protection and management capacity is often found in a handful of well-known community marine conservation areas and biodiversity hotspots on forested islands, alongside the internationally recognized East Rennell World Heritage site.

Protected Coverage

Formal (legally declared) terrestrial protection is low by global standards-approximately ~2% of land area (roughly 1-3% range depending on what is counted as formally gazetted). A larger additional area is managed under community-based conservation and locally managed marine areas, but coverage and legal status vary by site.

Notable Parks & Reserves

East Rennell World Heritage Site (Rennell Island)

UNESCO World Heritage Site (Natural); overlaps with Lake Tegano wetland values (often referenced as Ramsar-relevant)

A globally significant Pacific island ecosystem centered on Lake Tegano, the largest raised coral atoll lake in the world; it supports high endemism in birds and other wildlife and represents one of the most intact island forest-lagoon systems in the region.

Rennell shrikebill
Rennell starling
Rennell fantail
Solomon sea eagle (Sanford's sea eagle)
Solomon cockatoo
Pacific flying fox

Arnavon Community Marine Conservation Area (Arnavon Islands, between Isabel and Choiseul)

Community Marine Conservation Area / Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA)

One of Solomon Islands' best-known community-managed marine protected areas, internationally important for sea turtle nesting and coral-reef biodiversity; it safeguards key breeding beaches and surrounding reef and seagrass habitats.

Hawksbill sea turtle
Green sea turtle
Dugong
Dugong
Giant clams
Bumphead parrotfish
Reef sharks

Tetepare Island Conservation Area (Western Province)

Conservation Area / Conservancy (community/NGO-managed; commonly treated as a de facto protected area)

The largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific, Tetepare protects extensive lowland rainforest, coastal ecosystems, and nesting beaches-an important refuge from logging and hunting pressures elsewhere.

Solomon cockatoo
Solomon sea eagle (Sanford's sea eagle)
Prehensile-tailed skink
Common spotted cuscus
Common spotted cuscus
Solomon Islands flying fox
Green sea turtle

Kolombangara Island Forest & Cloud Forest Conservation Areas (Kolombangara, Western Province)

Community/landowner conservation areas and forest protection initiatives (often associated with KIBCA; locally managed conservation)

A high-elevation volcanic island with intact upland and cloud forest-critical habitat for one of the Solomon Islands' most threatened endemic birds and a stronghold for forest biodiversity.

Kolombangara monarch
Solomon cockatoo
Solomon sea eagle (Sanford's sea eagle)
Cardinal lory
Melanesian megapode
Pacific flying fox

Marovo Lagoon Locally Managed Marine Areas (New Georgia group, Western Province)

Locally Managed Marine Areas (community-based MPAs; site network rather than a single park)

A vast lagoon and reef complex where community-managed closures and no-take zones protect seagrass, mangroves, and coral reefs-important for fisheries recovery, turtles, and marine megafauna.

Dugong
Dugong
Green sea turtle
Hawksbill sea turtle
Spinner dolphin
Giant clams
Manta rays

Roviana Lagoon & Vonavona Lagoon Community Marine Protected Areas (Western Province)

Locally Managed Marine Areas / Community MPAs

A mosaic of reef, lagoon, and mangrove habitats managed through local rules and periodically strengthened by conservation partnerships; notable for coral and fish diversity and nursery habitats.

Hawksbill sea turtle
Green sea turtle
Bumphead parrotfish
Reef manta ray
Mangrove jack
Reef sharks

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • East Rennell (Natural)
Animals

Wildlife

The Solomon Islands' wildlife character is defined by two standout realms: (1) lush, mountainous tropical rainforests on dozens of large, rugged islands with high bird and reptile endemism, and (2) exceptionally rich coral-reef and lagoon ecosystems within the Coral Triangle, supporting iconic megafauna (turtles, dugongs, rays, sharks) and dazzling reef fish diversity. Terrestrial mammals are comparatively few and are dominated by bats; the most distinctive land wildlife experiences are often birding (endemics) and herping, while the most famous "big wildlife" encounters are marine-especially for divers and snorkelers.

~55-70 (native fauna largely bats; few non-flying mammals) Mammals
~220-260 (very high island endemism; especially rich in pigeons, parrots, kingfishers, honeyeaters, and rails) Birds
~70-90 (skinks, geckos, snakes; plus crocodiles and sea turtles) Reptiles
~20-30 (mostly frogs; no native toads) Amphibians

Iconic Species

Saltwater Crocodile The archipelago's apex estuarine predator, occurring in mangroves, river mouths, and coastal lagoons; sightings are most likely around sheltered estuaries and swampy lowlands (with strong local safety guidance).
Dugong
Dugong A flagship seagrass grazer of calm lagoons and bays; the Solomon Islands still support important dugong habitat in the southwest Pacific, and respectful boat-based viewing is possible where seagrass meadows remain extensive.
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Critically important reef-associated turtle that nests on remote beaches and forages on coral reefs; encounters are most common for divers/snorkelers on healthy reef slopes and lagoons.
Green Sea Turtle Commonly encountered on seagrass beds and reef flats; the country has multiple nesting and feeding areas, making green turtles a signature snorkeling/diving species.
Reef Manta Ray Seen at cleaning stations and plankton-rich channels in parts of the archipelago; a headline encounter for divers when conditions align (seasonality and site knowledge are key).
Whale Shark
Whale Shark A sought-after but often seasonal/episodic visitor; occasional sightings occur around productive reef passages and offshore waters, drawing pelagic-focused dive trips.
Sanford's Sea Eagle (Solomon Sea Eagle) A powerful coastal raptor strongly associated with the Solomon Islands; often seen along shorelines and near forested coasts, and a top target for visiting birders.
Prehensile-tailed Skink One of the world's most distinctive lizards-large, arboreal, and uniquely adapted with a gripping tail; endemic to the Solomon Islands and a defining reptile of the rainforest canopy (rarely seen without expert local guidance).

Endemic Species

Rennell Shrikebill Endemic to Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands; a restricted-range forest bird found only within Solomon Islands (country). Endemic
Solomons Frogmouth A highly range-restricted night bird and prized endemic for birders; inhabits forested habitats where quiet spotlighting with experienced guides can be productive. Endemic
Prehensile-tailed Skink Endemic canopy-dwelling skink; notable as the only truly prehensile-tailed skink and among the largest skinks globally. Endemic
Roviana Rail A little-known endemic rail from the New Georgia group; emblematic of the Solomons' island-by-island specialization and vulnerability to habitat change and introduced predators. Endemic
Ultramarine Lorikeet A vivid small parrot endemic to the Solomon Islands; highly sought after by birders for its color and limited range. Endemic
Solomon Crow Endemic forest crow; a distinctive member of the islands' bird community and an important target species on birding itineraries. Endemic
Brenchley's Imperial Pigeon A large fruit-pigeon endemic to the Solomon Islands; representative of the archipelago's exceptional pigeon diversity and a key rainforest seed disperser. Endemic
Rennell Starling A starling restricted to Rennell Island (Solomon Islands). It is endemic to the country and occurs in forest and wooded habitats, where it feeds on fruit and other plant material and helps with seed dispersal. Endemic

Notable Populations

  • Part of the Coral Triangle seascape, among the highest marine-biodiversity regions on Earth (notably high coral and reef-fish diversity relative to area).
  • Sanford's sea eagle is a range-restricted raptor whose global distribution is essentially confined to the Solomon Islands region, making the country central to the species' long-term survival.
  • The Solomon Islands contain multiple regionally important nesting and foraging sites for green and hawksbill sea turtles in the southwest Pacific.
  • Extensive seagrass meadows in parts of the archipelago provide important habitat for dugongs, a species declining across much of its range.
Protection

Conservation

Primary Threats

  • Industrial logging is a dominant driver of terrestrial biodiversity loss, particularly in lowland forests where access roads and log landings fragment habitat, increase hunting access, and accelerate erosion. Sediment runoff from logged catchments smothers nearshore reefs and seagrass, degrading fisheries and coastal protection. Disputes over timber rights and uneven benefit-sharing can undermine long-term stewardship in customary land areas.
  • Native forest conversion and degradation occur through timber extraction, garden expansion near villages, and infrastructure corridors. On coasts, mangroves and shoreline vegetation are cleared for settlements, small ports, and building materials, reducing nursery habitat for fish and increasing erosion and storm vulnerability.
  • Coastal reef fisheries are heavily relied upon for food security and income. High-pressure harvesting (including nighttime spearfishing and intensified market supply to Honiara and provincial centers) can reduce key functional groups such as herbivores, weakening reef resilience. Offshore tuna fisheries are economically important; while managed regionally, monitoring and compliance demands remain high for a dispersed archipelago.
  • Warming seas drive coral bleaching and reduced reef recovery, while ocean acidification threatens coral calcification. Sea-level rise and storm surge impact atolls and low-lying coasts, causing saltwater intrusion into gardens and freshwater lenses. More intense rainfall events increase landslides and sedimentation, especially in logged catchments, compounding reef stress.
  • Sedimentation from logging roads, riverbank disturbance, and poorly managed earthworks is a major pollutant to lagoons and reefs. Urban waste and sewage around Honiara and growing towns contribute to coastal water quality decline, while plastics and discarded fishing gear accumulate on beaches and mangroves.
  • Gold and bauxite exploration/operations pose risks of land clearance, river sedimentation, and potential tailings/chemical contamination if poorly managed. Social conflict and landowner disputes can also destabilize governance around sensitive watersheds and coastal receiving environments.
  • Expansion of cash crops (notably oil palm in some areas) and increased commercial gardening around population centers can convert forest and riparian buffers. Poorly managed cultivation on steep slopes increases erosion into coral reef systems, affecting nearshore fisheries that communities depend on.
  • Invasive rats and cats prey on native birds and reptiles, especially on smaller islands and near settlements. Invasive ants and weeds can alter forest understories and disrupt ecological interactions; biosecurity constraints and inter-island transport make prevention and rapid response difficult across many islands.
  • Subsistence and opportunistic hunting (including of flying foxes, pigeons, and other forest wildlife) increases where logging roads improve access. On some islands, local overharvest can threaten populations of slow-breeding species and reduce ecosystem services such as seed dispersal.
  • Collection and trade of colorful birds, reptiles, and marine aquarium species can pressure local populations where demand concentrates. Enforcement is challenging across remote islands and informal transport routes, increasing the risk of unregulated or under-reported extraction.
  • Road building (often linked to logging), new wharves, and urban expansion can fragment habitats and increase sedimentation without strong safeguards. Coastal infrastructure may also drive mangrove clearing and shoreline hardening, reducing natural coastal defenses.
  • Alteration of rivers and wetlands through gravel extraction, riverbank clearing, and small-scale reclamation changes freshwater and estuarine habitats. Mangrove harvesting and conversion modify coastal hydrology and reduce nursery areas for fish and crustaceans.
  • Growing human populations near key coastal ecosystems increase trampling, anchor damage on reefs, and disturbance at seabird or turtle nesting areas. Tourism is smaller than in some Pacific neighbors but can still cause localized impacts where unmanaged.
  • High dependence on local timber for housing and fuelwood, plus intensive harvesting of reef invertebrates (e.g., trochus, sea cucumbers where targeted) can deplete stocks faster than they recover, especially when market demand spikes and management is weak.
Visit

Wildlife Tourism

Wildlife tourism in the Solomon Islands is centered on marine biodiversity-world-class coral reefs, reef fish, manta rays, turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales-alongside niche but rewarding rainforest birding (including several endemics). Economically, nature-based travel supports dive operators, small resorts, local boat captains, guides, and community-run eco-lodges; visitor spending often goes directly to island communities through guide fees, customary access payments, and locally owned accommodations. Historically, the country became a bucket-list destination for divers via its reefs and WWII-era wreck sites, with wildlife experiences now increasingly bundled into liveaboards and island-stay itineraries. Accessibility is improving but still "adventure-travel" level: most international arrivals route via Honiara (Guadalcanal), then connect by domestic flights/boats to key wildlife areas (e.g., Western Province, Malaita, Makira). Infrastructure can be limited outside main hubs, so planning around transport days, weather windows, and local permissions is important.

Best Time to Visit
  • May-October (drier season, best overall visibility at sea; comfortable on land): Prime for diving/snorkeling on reefs, manta-ray cleaning stations (where present), dolphins, and consistent birding in rainforest/forest-edge habitats.
  • July-October (peak whale season in many parts of the South Pacific): Best chance for humpback whale sightings on boat trips and from some coastal viewpoints; conditions generally favorable for offshore excursions.
  • November-April (wetter, cyclone risk varies by year; hotter and more humid): Lush forests and active birdlife, but more rain and potentially reduced underwater visibility after heavy runoff. Great for photographers who don't mind weather, and for travelers prioritizing rainforest ambience.
  • December-March (wettest period in many areas): Expect rain-swollen rivers and muddy trails; choose sheltered lagoons/reefs and plan flexible schedules. Some operators reduce offshore trips during prolonged rough weather. What to see when (practical):
  • Best underwater clarity: typically June-September.
  • Best whale odds: generally July-October.
  • Best all-round mix (reef + rainforest): May, June, September.

Top Wildlife Experiences

  • Snorkel or dive a pristine fringing reef with a local guide, focusing on "big schools" (barracuda/jacks), reef sharks, turtles, and vibrant coral gardens-time it for slack tide for the calmest conditions.
  • Do a dedicated manta-ray day: boat out early to known cleaning stations (operator/local knowledge is essential), then snorkel quietly at the edge of the site to watch mantas circle in for cleaning.
  • Take a humpback whale-search cruise (July-October): slow-speed coastal cruising with a spotter, keeping respectful distances; if conditions allow, combine with snorkeling on a nearby reef for a full-day wildlife charter.
  • Join a dawn rainforest birding walk on Guadalcanal or in the Western Province: target endemic/near-endemic birds, listen for calls at first light, and use short forest-edge loops to maximize sightings in humid conditions.
  • Night snorkel from a calm lagoon or protected reef: look for sleeping parrotfish, hunting octopus, crabs, bioluminescence, and nocturnal reef action (only with an experienced guide and safe entry/exit).
  • Sea-kayak or paddleboard across a mangrove-lined bay at high tide to spot juvenile fish nurseries, mudskippers, kingfishers, herons, and shorebirds-best in the early morning when winds are low.
  • Dolphin-spotting by boat in sheltered channels: slow travel along current lines where dolphins often feed; pair with a short reef snorkel stop if the sea state is calm.
  • Join a community-led "customary land" forest walk to a waterfall or ridge viewpoint: learn local conservation stories, look for fruit bats, butterflies, and rainforest reptiles, and support village stewardship through guide/access fees.
  • Dive a reef-and-wreck combo day: start on a WWII wreck for schooling fish and macro life, then shift to a nearby reef wall or bommie for coral and pelagic chances-ideal for photographers who want variety.
  • Plan a multi-day liveaboard or island-hopping itinerary (especially Western Province): access remote reefs with minimal pressure, stringing together dawn/dusk reef sessions for the best wildlife activity windows.

Safari Types Available

  • Boat-based wildlife cruises (reef and whale-search day trips, dolphin tours)
  • Snorkeling safaris (lagoon/reef-hopping by boat, including drift snorkels where safe)
  • Scuba diving safaris (day-boat diving and multi-day liveaboards)
  • Kayak/canoe safaris (mangroves, lagoons, coastal birdlife)
  • Guided rainforest walks and birding hikes (dawn/early-morning focus)
  • Night wildlife experiences (night snorkels, guided nocturnal forest walks where available)
  • Community-based eco-tours on customary land/sea areas (locally guided, permit-based access)
Fun Facts

Did You Know?

Some Solomon Islands birds don't "sit" on their eggs at all: megapodes (e.g., the Melanesian megapode) bury eggs in warm sand or compost-like mounds, and the chicks hatch fully feathered and able to fend for themselves.

The famed prehensile-tailed skink isn't a typical insect-eating lizard-it's largely herbivorous (leaf-eating) and gives birth to live young, an unusual combo for a big tropical reptile.

Rennell's Lake Tegano (within East Rennell) is a giant inland waterbody on a raised coral atoll-essentially a former lagoon left perched on land-creating an unusual mix of freshwater/brackish habitats with localized endemic species.

In parts of the Solomon Islands (notably Isabel Province), traditional "shark calling" has been practiced: expert fishers use specific sounds, rituals, and bait to attract sharks-an example of highly specialized, place-based ecological knowledge.

Home to the world's largest skink: the prehensile-tailed skink (Corucia zebrata), a hefty, tree-dwelling lizard that can reach roughly 80 cm (about 32 in) including its tail.

Rennell Island (part of the Solomon Islands) is widely cited as the world's largest raised coral atoll-an uplifted reef landscape that created a huge "island-on-a-reef" ecosystem.

East Rennell (Solomon Islands) was listed in 1998 as the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Pacific Islands region, recognized for exceptional island biodiversity and endemism around Lake Tegano.

Marovo Lagoon in Western Province is one of the largest saltwater lagoon systems in the world (around ~700 km²), enclosed by massive barrier reefs that support high coral and reef-fish diversity.

Tetepare Island is frequently cited as the largest uninhabited island in the South Pacific (about ~118 km²), making it a rare, human-free refuge for nesting sea turtles, seabirds, and intact lowland rainforest wildlife.

On a stretch of the South Pacific Ocean called the Solomon Sea, the Solomon Islands is an independent island nation. This archipelago of 1000 islands is east of Papua New Guinea and northeast of Australia. The Solomon Islands has a wet, tropical climate. The land is largely hilly and forested. This region includes coastal strand vegetation, mangrove forests, freshwater swamps, lowland rain forests, and montane rain forests.

These environments are home to many unique bird and mammal species. There are dozens of bat species and unique, adorable animals like the golden ringtail possum (Pseudochirops corrinae), common spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus), and sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps).

Its marine animals include striped dolphins, rough-toothed dolphins, and pygmy killer whales. The Solomon Islands has healthy reef systems that are home to leatherback and green turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays. Tuna, barracudas, and sailfish swim in the ocean waters.

Unique reptiles include the Rennell Island monitor, the spotted emo skink and the Malukuna webbed frog.

The Official National Animal of Solomon Islands

The official national animal of Solomon Islands is the hawksbill turtle. This sea turtle spends its life in the deep ocean, shallow tidal ponds, and coral reefs. A hawksbill turtle can be 3 feet long and weigh up to 180 pounds. Like all sea turtles, the national animal is in danger of becoming extinct.

Where To Find the Top Wild Animals in Solomon Islands

The Solomon archipelago has rich and diverse marine life, including coral reefs and seagrass meadows. It is part of the Coral Triangle, which is a section of the western Pacific that has the world’s most diverse coral and coral reef species. These waters have 494 species of coral and 1019 species of reef fish.

If you visit Rob Roy Island or Taro Island, you may spot dugongs. These gentle sea giants are endangered everywhere. The underwater seagrass meadows are their preferred habitat.

Bird watching has become a popular activity for visitors to the Solomon Islands. In the mountain areas, birders have spotted Kolombaranga leaf warblers and fearful owls. The coastal areas are ideal for spotting Sandford’s sea eagles and crested cuckoo-doves. The jungle areas of the lowlands are home to lorikeets, parrots, and kingfishers.

Snorkelers and scuba divers can enjoy the bright, clear water and a vast array of tropical fish, dugongs, barracudas, and manta rays. You can watch dolphins and reef sharks underwater while boating or sea kayaking.

Birds are abundant in the Solomon Islands. The trees are alive with brightly colored tropical birds and songbirds. Birders have spotted many unique, rare bird species, including ultramarine kingfisher, Solomons cockatoo, and midget flowerpecker.

The Most Dangerous Animals in Solomon Islands Today

  • Sharks: The waters of the Solomon Islands have high numbers of bull sharks and hammerhead sharks. These large, aggressive sharks are likely to attack anything they encounter in the water. The underwater regions are also home to reef sharks, but they are harmless to humans.
  • Crocodiles: Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are native to the Solomon Islands. Like their Australian cousins, these huge, aggressive beasts can weigh up to 1000 pounds. According to a 2019 report, there were 225 saltwater crocodile attacks on humans in the past 10 years. Of these, 83 were fatal, and 31 were attacks on children.

Endangered Animals in Solomon Islands

  • The Solomon Islands is home to about 30 bat species, including the large bats known as flying foxes. The Bougainville monkey-faced bat (Pteralopex ancep), Guadalcanal monkey-faced bat (Pteralopex atrata), and montane monkey-faced bat (Pteralopex pulchra) are in danger of becoming extinct.
  • Endangered rodents include the Specht’s mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys spechti), Poncelet’s giant rat (Solomys ponceleti) and emperor rat (Uromys imperator).
  • Critically endangered bird species include the Makira moorhen (Gallinula silvestris), yellow-legged pigeon (Columba pallidiceps) and thick-billed ground dove (Gallicolumba salamonis).

Unique Wildlife of Solomon Islands

Like many South Pacific islands, the Solomon Islands is home to unusual tropical species. Birds and butterflies are abundant, and fish and marine mammals swim in the warm waters. Bird watching, snorkeling, and wildlife photography tours are some of the best ways to see this unique wildlife.

Flag of Solomon Islands

The flag of the Solomon Islands consists of a field of light blue and dark green colors divided by a diagonal yellow band, which connects the flag’s lower hoist and upper-fly corners.

Animals Found in Solomon Islands

87 species documented in our encyclopedia

Angelfish Armyworm Bee-Eater Bigfin Reef Squid Blacktip Reef Shark Blind Snake Blue Tang Blue-Ringed Octopus Boas Boiga Booby Box Jellyfish Boxfish Brown Tree Snake Butterfly Fish Cane Spider Cat Snake Chromodoris Willani Cockatoo Cockroach Coconut Crab Cone Snail Coral Cosmic Caterpillar Crocodylomorph Crow Cuckoo Dragon Eel Dugong Eclectus Parrot Emperor Angelfish Freshwater Eel Frigatebird Gecko Gecko Ghost Crab Giant Clam Giant Trevally Great Egret Great Hammerhead Shark Grey Reef Shark Hairy Frogfish Hermit Crab Kestrel Kingfisher Lawnmower Blenny Lionfish Lizard Lorikeet Marine Toad Milkfish Mojarra Monitor Lizard Nautilus Nicobar pigeon Parrot Parrotfish Pigeon Polka Dot Stingray Possum Python Rhino Beetle Ribbon Eel River Turtle Sawfish Sea Eagle Sea Snake Skink Lizard Snowflake Eel Spanish Mackerel Spitting Cobra Squirrelfish Stonefish Strawberry Hermit Crab Surgeonfish Swallowtail Butterfly Tailless Whip Scorpion Tang Tarantula Tarpon Termite Tree Snake Triggerfish Turtles Ulysses Butterfly Vinegaroon Yellow Crazy Ant Zebra Shark

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