Choiseul Province Choiseul Province The Choiseul Province is one of the nine provinces of Solomon Islands. It lies southeast of Bougainville (part of Papua New Guinea, west of Santa Isabel and north of Vella la Vella, Kolombangra & New Georgia. In the 2009 national census its population is 26,372. The province consists of three major islands, which are Choiseul, Vaghena, and Rob Roy. Falkie Atoll is administered as part of the province. Choiseul Island, which is commonly known as Lauru to the natives, has land area of , Vaghena at , and Rob Roy at . Taro Island at , is the
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