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Vanuatu boasts of lush tropical forests, pleasant climate and fertile soils, which supports an array of flora and fauna. However, the plant and animal species are surprisingly limited and not diverse in the islands. |
Flora of Vanuatu
Vanuatu boasts of tropical rainforests having thick natural vegetation including grassland and secondary growth. In a pristine region, one can find as many as 1500 species of flowers, ferns, shrubs, vines and trees. Orchids surrounds the trees in many areas, as there are 158 species of orchids out of which 40 are indigenous.
Fauna of Vanuatu
Vanuatu does not have many native large mammals, poisonous snakes, or spiders. The Wild Pig, Fowl, Flying Fox are indigenous to the island. Dolphins, Whales, Turtles and Dugongs (Sea Cows) are also spotted in Vanuatu. The Dugong is the Vanuatu’s largest resident mammal and the world’s only herbivorous marine mammal. There are 11 species of bat, 3 unique to Vanuatu and more than 100 species of land and water birds.
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The small Polynesian Rat, Hogs, Dogs, White Pig and Cattle were brought by the Europeans. The Giant East African snail arrived only in the 1970s but already has spread from the Port-Vila region to Luganville. The 19 species of native reptiles include the Flowerpot Snake found only on Efate. |
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The marine life around the islands delights you with as many 4,000 species. There are more than 4,000 species of Marine Mollusks, 450 species of Reef Fish and 300 species of Coral. The Coneshell and Stonefish are poisonous marine variety.
Vanuatu has features 1 national park and about 106 reserve/conservation areas. The main conservation areas are Million Dollar Point National Park, Loru Conservation Area and Vatthe Conservation Area on Espiritu Santo. The Happy Land Kauri Reserve on Errormango is known for its fine Kauri forests.
By: Shuchita Bist
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