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ISLAND DIRECTORY
Islands of Palau
Babeldaob (Babelthuap) [430]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 7.50º N Long : 134.58º E
Area: 374.1 sq. km Altitude: 245 m
Shoreline: 143.7 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.3841
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 2 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 81
ISLAND TYPE: Continental(volc)/raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Old weathered continental or volcanic rock, with some raised coral to
south.
Potential for gold mining.
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 10 Marine: 10
Lowland rain forest rich in species, riverine, swamp and beach forests;
mangroves; scrub, savanna and grasslands; freshwater habitats; fringing
reefs,
barrier reefs, seagrass beds and lagoons.
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds:
Megapodius laperouse senex (Megapode) group endemic subspecies, Rare
(RDB),
precarious.
Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis (Belau Nicobar Pigeon) group endemic
subspecies, Endangered (RDB)
Erythrura trichroa pelewensis (Belau Blue-faced Parrot Finch) group
endemic
subspecies, Indeterminate (RDB) or Rare.
Artamus leucorhynchus pelewensis (Belau White-breasted Wood-swallow)
group
endemic subspecies, savanna woodlands, Rare (RDB) several hundred
(1978).
SPECIES RICHNESS:
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 5
moderate
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 0
feral pigs
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited
Population: 3336 (1980) Density: 8.9 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: -0.3%/yr Decreasing
Major Human Activities: subsistence agriculture
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Heavily colonized by Japanese before W.W.II. Plans for large scale U.S.
military activities and installations.
Accessibility: airport
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 70% Human Threat Indicator: 2
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 2
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 18 High
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 11/09/88
Beliliou (Peleliu) [1313]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 7.03º N Long : 134.25º E
Area: 12.7 sq. km Altitude: 30 m
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 19 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 84
ISLAND TYPE: raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 4
Limestone forest (mostly secondary regrowth), scrub; 2 tidal
creeks with mangroves; fringing and barrier reefs. Coral reefs
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds:
Pyrroglaux podargina (Belau Scops Owl) group endemic
Megapodius laperouse senex group endemic subspecies, Rare
(RDB), still common locally (1980).
Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis (Belau Nicobar Pigeon) group
endemic subspecies, Endangered (RDB), low numbers (1980).
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 5
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, former mining
Population: 617 (1980) Density: 48.6 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: -0.3%/yr Decreasing
Major Human Activities: former phoshate mining, heavy W.W.II fighting
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 8 Moderate
CI-Marine: 11 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 11/09/88
Chelbacheb (Rock Islands) - Ulebsechel,Ngeruktabel,Ulong,Mecherchar [1311]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 7.25º N Long : 134.40º E
Area: 100.0 sq. km Altitude: 207 m
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 1 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 80
ISLAND TYPE: raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 3
Percent shoreline: Coral Reef: 99% Mangrove: 0%
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds:
Megapodius laperouse senex group endemic subspecies, Rare (RDB), still
common on Ngeruktabel and Macharchar (1980).
Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis (Belau Nicobar Pigeon) group endemic
subspecies, Ngeruktabel, Macharchar, Endangered (RDB)
Erythrura trichroa pelewensis (Belau Blue-faced Parrot Finch) group
endemic
subspecies, Indeterminate (RDB) or Rare.
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 5
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
some unique marine lakes with distinctive ecosystems
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 11 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 11/09/88
Helen (Helen Reef) [1316]
Group:
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 2.72º N Long : 131.77º E
Area: 1.9 sq. km Altitude: ? m
Land < 5 m elevation: 1.9 sq. km Sea level rise risk: 9
Submerged area <100 m: 0 sq. km Reef area: 0 sq. km Lagoon area: 216 sq. km
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 75 km group: 300 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2600 km Isolation Index: 77
ISLAND TYPE: atoll with 1 islet to north Natural Protection Indicator: 2
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 1
Coconuts and atoll scrub; lagoon 60 m deep, wide atoll reefs
(1,200 m).
Percent shoreline: Coral Reef: 99% Mangrove: 0%
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 0 Marine: 3
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
turtle nesting area
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited, visited by fishing boats for poaching
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Major Human Activities: poaching of giant clams
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 2
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 4 Low
CI-Marine: 9 Moderate
Last updated: 11/09/88
Ngcheangel (Kayangel) [1308]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 8.14º N Long : 134.71º E
Area: 1.7 sq. km Altitude: 2 m
Land < 5 m elevation: 1.7 sq. km Sea level rise risk: 9
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 40 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 85
ISLAND TYPE: Small atoll with 4 islets Natural Protection Indicator: 0
CLIMATE: tropical
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 3 Marine: 4
Atoll vegetation, coconuts; windward and leeward atoll reef, lagoon Coral reefs
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
31 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES RICHNESS:
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 0 Marine: 4
high marine species diversity
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 1
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
some seabirds marine turtles
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 0
Bufo marinus (cane toad), Varanus indicus (Monitor
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited
Population: 140 (1980) Density: 82.4 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: -0.3%/yr Decreasing
Major Human Activities: coconuts, subsistence agriculture
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 90% Human Threat Indicator: 3
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 4
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 4 Low
CI-Marine: 12 Moderate
Last updated: 11/09/88
Ngeaur (Angaur) [1314]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 6.92º N Long : 134.15º E
Area: 8.4 sq. km Altitude: 61 m
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 11 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 82
ISLAND TYPE: raised coral, no surface water Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 3
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds
Megapodius laperouse senex, group endemic subspecies, Rare
(RDB), still common locally (1980).
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 5
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, decreasing population
Population: 243 (1980) Density: 28.9 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: -0.3%/yr Decreasing
Major Human Activities: former phosphate mining
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Heavily mined for phosphate until 1955, abandoned mining
facilities; large airstrip.
Accessibility: airport
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 8 Moderate
CI-Marine: 11 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 11/09/88
Ngerekebesang (Arakabesan) [1310]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 7.37º N Long : 134.47º E
Area: 5.2 sq. km Altitude: ? m
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 1 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 80
ISLAND TYPE: volcanic Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 10
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds:
Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis (Belau Nicobar Pigeon) group endemic
subspecies, Endangered (RDB)
Erythrura trichroa pelewensis (Belau Blue-faced Parrot Finch) group
endemic
subspecies, Indeterminate (RDB) or Rare.
Marine life:
117 corals in 40 genera; bivalves abundant; 125 fish species.
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 2
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, large resort
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Major Human Activities: tourism
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 5 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 11/09/88
Ngerukuid (Seventy Islands, Ngerukewid, Orukuizu) [1312]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 7.18º N Long : 134.28º E
Area: 0.9 sq. km Altitude: 80 m
Submerged area <100 m: 2 sq. km Reef area: 0 sq. km Lagoon area: 0 sq. km
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 7 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 82
ISLAND TYPE: 37 small raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 1
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Steep raised coral islets usually undercut at the waterline, ranging in
size
from 0.1 to 48.5 ha
CLIMATE: wet tropical
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 4 Marine: 1
Limestone rain forest inland, thickets on vertical cliffs, coastal
strand
forest and scrub on narrow beaches, two small areas of mangrove
(Rhizophora),
fringing coral reefs, undercut shores. Mangroves
Percent of land: Forested: 90% Developed: 0% Degraded: 0%
Percent shoreline: Coral Reef: 99% Mangrove: -9%
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
7 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
17 |
0 |
0 |
| Mammals |
2 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Plants:
endemic palms
Reptiles/Amphibians:
Platymantis pelewensis (Belau Frog) group endemic
4 skinks
2 land snakes and 1 sea snake
Birds:
17 land birds, 11 seabirds
Pyrroglaux (Otus) podargina (Belau Scops Owl) group endemic
(unconfirmed,
not detected in 1988 survey)
Megapodius laperouse (Micronesian Megapode) endemic to Marianas and
Belau,
Rare, 50-80 (1988)
Mammals:
2 bats
Dugong dugon (Dugong) Vulnerable (RDB) reported extirpated 1987
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 5
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 0
some seabird breeding, turtle nesting area
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 1
cockatoo, no introduced rodents
Cacatua galerita (Greater Sulphur-crested Cockatoo) kills endemic palms
by
feeding on the hearts
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Major Human Activities: tourism, illegal poaching, dynamiting for fish
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Conservation support: tenure, government support, legislation
PROTECTED AREAS: Protected Area Coverage Indicators - Terrestrial: 7 Marine: 7
Number: 1 Area: Terrestrial: 0.9 sq. km Marine: 2 sq. km
Ngerekuid Islands Wildlife Preserve (87.3 ha land, 259 ha total)
Created 1956. Listed in 1987 on World Register of Threatened Parks
and
Protected Areas because of dynamiting of reefs, extirpation of dugong,
and
poaching of turtle eggs and coconut crabs. Management plan in
preparation.
Suggested for World Heritage status.
DATA RELIABILITY: good Data Rel. Indicator: 3
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 18 High
CI-Marine: 13 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Wiles, G.J. and Conry, P.J. 1990. Terrestrial vertebrates of the
Ngerukewid
Islands Wildlife Preserve, Palau Islands. Micronesica 23(1):41-66.
Last updated: 05/08/90
Oreor (Koror) [1309]
Group: Archipelago: Palau Islands
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 7.35º N Long : 134.52º E
Area: 9.3 sq. km Altitude: ? m
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 2 km group: 850 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 81
ISLAND TYPE: volcanic and raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Volcanic to west and raised coral to east.
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 5 Marine: 5
Lowland rain forest, mangroves, coral reefs and lagoons.
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds:
Megapodius laperouse senex, group endemic subspecies, Rare (RDB),
locally
rare
Gallicolumba canifrons (Belau Ground Dove) group endemic
Pyrroglaux podargina (Belau Scops Owl) group endemic
Caloenas nicobarica pelewensis (Belau Nicobar Pigeon) group endemic
subspecies, Endangered (RDB), small flock observed (1980).
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 3
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, capital and urban center
Population: 7685 (1980) Density: 826.3 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: -0.3%/yr Decreasing
Major Human Activities: government, tourism, aquaculture
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Japanese town of 20,000 destroyed in W.W.II; capital of Belau
with some urbanization.
Habitat: Urban Pop: 7000 Urban Indicator: 8
Accessibility: port
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 10% Human Threat Indicator: 0
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 16
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 8 Moderate
CI-Marine: 10 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 11/09/88
Sonsorol [1315]
Group:
Country: Palau Region: Oceania 13
Lat: 5.33º N Long : 132.22º E
Area: 1.9 sq. km Altitude: ? m
Depth to nearest land: 3000 m
Nearest island: 100 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2600 km Isolation Index: 83
ISLAND TYPE: low coral islands on reef Natural Protection Indicator: 0
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 2
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 3
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited
Population: 79 (1980) Density: 41.6 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: -0.3%/yr Decreasing
Major Human Activities: subsistence agriculture, fishing
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 90% Human Threat Indicator: 3
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 3 Low
CI-Marine: 7 Moderate
Last updated: 11/09/88
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