Choiseul Island by Japanese forces in 1942. With the independence of the Solomon Islands in July 1978, Choiseul has been administered as part of Choiseul Province. The administrative headquarters of Choiseul Province is situated in the town of Taro. Choiseul Island Choiseul Island, native name Lauru, is the largest island () of the Choiseul Province, Solomon Islands, at . This island is named after Étienne François, duc de Choiseul. The first recorded sighting by Europeans was by the Spanish expedition of Álvaro de Mendaña in April 1568. More precisely the sighting was due to a local voyage done by a small boat,
Choiseul Province Taro Island. The largest reptile is the saltwater crocodile ("Crocodylus porosus") known from Australia. Known birds are the Sanford's fish eagle ("Haliaeetus sanfordi"), the Pacific black duck ("Anas superciliosa"), and the eastern reef egret ("Egretta sacra"). Until the beginning of the 20th century, it was the only habitat of the now extinct Choiseul crested pigeon ("Microgoura meeki"). Choiseul is also an important breeding place for the loggerhead sea turtle ("Caretta caretta"). The flora is represented by mangroves and coconuts. Commercial logging continues to operate in Choiseul throughout the entire province. Nickel Mining is planned to commence in 2016 in Katupika