Santa Isabel Island down the houses in Ulubea riverside settlement, 33 houses in all, as a result of a property dispute. The number was later expanded to 31. The population of Santa Isabel speak as many as eight languages in addition to English and Solomon Islands Pijin. Santa Isabel Island Santa Isabel Island (also known as Isabel, Ysabel and Mahaga) is the longest in the Solomon Islands, the third largest in terms of surface area, and the largest in the group of islands in Isabel Province. Choiseul lies to the north-west, Malaita to the south-east. The Pacific Ocean lies to the north, and
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