This is the first time a full biological survey has ever been performed on this remote, almost untouched island in the South Pacific. The intriguing and fascinating results have redoubled the Vatuvara Foundation’s efforts to safeguard this lush wildlife haven.
The island of Vatuvara perfectly embodies the intrigue and beauty of the South Pacific islands. Located in the north of Fiji’s Lau group, the 800-hectare island has been uninhabited for most of human history. This is due in part to the absence of a permanent water source – but the sharp, unforgiving coral terrain certainly doesn’t help.
For a time, the island hosted a fortified village atop the 300-metre summit – no doubt a strategic lookout point for Fijian warriors. But apart from a desperate attempt at coconut production during Fiji’s plantation era, Vatuvara has largely been spared the impacts of human influence. And that includes many invasive species common on other South Pacific islands – making Vatuvara an invaluable refuge for wildlife.
Despite the detailed knowledge of the indigenous Fijians, practically the only formal scientific account of the island comes from the remarkable Whitney Expeditions, which visited Fiji in 1924, identifying the endemic Fiji Banded Iguana Brachylophus fasciatus among other native flora and fauna species.
Kadavu with an area of 411 square kilometers, is the fourth largest island in Fiji, and the largest island in the Kadavu Group, a volcanic archipelago consisting of Kadavu, Ono, Galoa and a number of smaller islands in the Great Astrolabe Reef.
It is a tropical bird watcher's dream come true!
No 3 day hike or drive into a jungle to catch a glimpse of a bird, most of the native life flyaround the island and the resorts all day and night!
Kadavu has the additional attraction of the 4 endemic species found only on Kadavu and these species, like the Kadavu musk parrot, can all be seen on the grounds of most resorts.
Fiji, compared to other South Pacific nations such as New Guinea, lacks a diversity of avian life but there are enough interesting and sometimes spectacular looking birds to attract visitors from throughout the world.
In all, there are about 80 species of terrestrial and freshwater birds of which about 10 have been introduced.
They are distributed throughout the islands but those interested in sampling an array bird should consider visiting three islands: Viti Levu (which has 56 of the 81 known species found in the group), Kadavu, and the Garden Island of Taveuni.
In general, the larger islands tend to be more ecologically intact and the bigger birds—notably the parrots and pigeons—are easily seen.
Full story here: http://fijiguide.com/page/bird-watching
ANNE O'Brien presented NatureFiji-MareqetiViti with several life-sized models of Fijis endangered species made from 100 per cent recycled materials before her departure to Scotland.
Ms OBrien, who was attached with Nature Fiji since August last year, is part of an animal sanctuary in Britain called Anniemals.
She creates realistic, life-sized sculptures and puppets of creatures using recycled fabrics from various sources. She sculptured 20 life-sized models of Fijian birds, bats, sharks, turtles and insects using masi (tapa), blankets and old clothes.
This is a unique combination, models of Fijian animals made out of 100 per cent recycled Fijian materials, said NatureFiji-MareqetiVitis conservation co-ordinator Nunia Thomas.
These models are a special gift and we are very grateful to Anne for volunteering to do this for us.
She has done her research, and we are very impressed with what she has created.
Ms OBrien offered to create the models for NatureFiji-MareqetiViti in early 2012 when she heard that they were receiving requests from schools and the general public for demonstrations with children but were unable to do so because there were no readily available models of Fijian species in Fiji.
It is very difficult to find authentic Fijian toys and animal models in Fijis shops even in tourist shops.
Most of the animal models we find are foreign animals that have the words Bula Fiji on them.
This is a sad reality considering the fact that we get many tourists who are interested in Fijis wildlife.
Our main objective from the very start has always been to engage Fijis children in active conservation action.
These models are our stepping stone towards that dream, said Ms Thomas.
Great site for migratory birds on the other side of Pacific!
PACIFIC BIRDS HABITAT JOINT VENTURE (Pacific Birds) is an international partnership between the U.S. and Canada committed to conserving crucial habitats for migratory birds.
We have been advancing avian habitat conservation since our origins in 1991.
Pacific Birds is making renewed efforts to meet the enormous conservation challenges we all face.
We are also working with partners to create new opportunities to achieve conservation on a flyway scale, from Northern California to Hawaii to Alaska.
Please dive in and learn more about our efforts, our partners and most importantly, the birds.
We are a partnership driven organization that thrives on engagement, input and collaboration.
We would like to know what you need to be more successful, to be more regionally focused, and to communicate and connect more.
Fiji, compared to other South Pacific nations such as New Guinea, lacks a diversity of avian life but there are enough interesting and sometimes spectacular looking birds to attract visitors from throughout the world. In all, there are about 80 species of terrestrial and freshwater birds of which about 10 have been introduced. They are distributed throughout the islands but those interested in sampling an array bird should consider visiting three islands: Viti Levu (which has 56 of the 81 known species found in the group), Kadavu, and the Garden Island of Taveuni. In general, the larger islands tend to be more ecologically intact and the bigger birds—notably the parrots and pigeons—are easily seen. Birding in Fiji:
A blog by the staff, guests and owners of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort about the fantastic bird watching in the Fiji Islands and specifically Kadavu
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