Characteristics
Palau
is internationally renown for its biological significance to the
Earth's natural enviornment. In addition to numerous publications, the
National Geographic Society chose Palau as the first "Underwater Wonder of the World."
Palau's unique terrestrial and marine diversity gained additional
international attention as one of the world's last living "Edens" by Discovery Channel/Reader's Digest.
Although Palau may not be considered one of the most biologically
diverse countries in the world in terms of sheer number of species,
Palau is home to a substantial number of species in terms of
exclusivity.
Palau's Biological Significance:
- One of the largest portions of species that occur nowhere else in the world.
- Supports more coral, fish, and other invertebrates per unit area of marine habitat than any other place on Earth.
- Is home to the most isolated Dugon dugon population in the world.
- The most plant and animal species in Micronesia.
- Is home to seven of the nine species of giant clams.
- Is home to the largest natural lake in Micronesia.
- Ngermeduu Bay is the largest estuary in Micronesia.
- One of the largest undisturbed tropical rainforests in Micronesia.
- The largest number of resident bird species in Micronesia.
Marine Biodiversity
Three ocean currents converge in Palau's waters and bring a rich
diversity of nutrients that attract a large variety of marine life.
These currents also transport larvae of many marine species to the
archipelago making Palau's underwater environment one of the most
diverse places on Earth. With the exception of Kayangel, Angaur, and
the Southwest islands, all of the Palau islands are located within one
barrier reef. Numerous marine ecosystems exist in Palau. They include
mangrove forests, seagrass beds, fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and
marine lakes.
Due to the migratory nature of most cetaceans, there is no reliable
estimate for the composition of populations in Palau. However, in the
Micronesian region there has been documented evidence of many species
regularly present. The species complement could include up to 11
species of dolphins, 15 species of whales year-round, and 4 species of
whales seasonally.
Terrestrial Biodiversity
Palau's landscape is dominated by highly weathered tropical soils of
volcanic origin. These soils tend to be acidic, high in aluminum, low
in nutrients and organic matter, and easily eroded. Palau's
terrestrial habitats include nine types of primary forest totaling
77,248 acres, dominated by upland forest followed by Mangrove forest.
There are 2,741 acres of agro-forests dominated by coconut stands and
21,068 acres of non-forested land, which include urban, grassland, and
marsh areas. Only Babeldaob supports a complex watershed with a
network of surface streams. All other landforms in Palau sustain a
simple radial drainage pattern.
There are approximately 1,260 species and varieties of plants in
Palau, of which 830 species are native. There are at least 194 species
of endemic vegetation in Palau, the majority of which are located only
in Babeldaob. Experts believe that the number of endemic species is
greater then currently confirmed. There are 428 known alien plant
species in Palau. For more detailed information on invasives in Palau
and the Micronesian region, visit www.pier.org/hear/index.
Palau's terrestrial fauna includes:
- Approximately 5,000 species of insects.
- 141 species of birds, 11 species and 9 subspecies are endemic.
- At least 40 species of freshwater fish of which 4 are endemic.
- 46 species of terrestrial reptiles and amphibians.
- 3 species of bat, 1 species and 1 subspecies are endemic.
By tradition, Palau's natural resources were under the protection of
the chief of the local municipality. Certain rare or particlarly
desirable foods, such as the Micronesian Megapode eggs or the Dugong,
were said to be reserved for the chief and his clan only, or for
particularly special occasions where the harvesting of the delicacies
were sanctioned by the chief. Today, nearly all birds and the Dugong
are protected by local, State, and/or national laws.
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