Dahl Web Site
ISLAND DIRECTORY
Islands of Northern Mariana Islands (United States)
Agrihan (Agrigan) [8]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 18.77º N Long : 145.67º E
Area: 40.0 sq. km Altitude: 965 m
Shoreline: 24.6 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.6150
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 70 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2600 km Isolation Index: 82
ISLAND TYPE: High volcanic cone Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Volcanic cone 7 km in diameter with central caldera, last eruption in
1917
deposited 3 m of ash on village in two days, extensive pyroclastic
deposits
over older lava flows; cone radially dissected by ravines
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones, volcanic eruptions (1917)
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 6
Rain forest in ravines, Miscanthus grasslands on upper slopes Forest
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB)
Gallinula chloropus guami (Marianas Gallinule or Common Moorhen) group
endemic subspecies, Pagan, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Rare (RDB), local
status
unknown.
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
Forest of conservation interest, summit unexplored botanically
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, population evacuated 1990
Population: 9 (1990) Density: 0.2 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: 4.4%/yr Increasing rapidly
Major Human Activities: agriculture, coconuts
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Coconut plantations, lower slopes cultivated; normal small resident
population
of 9 evacuated in 1990 due to threat of eruptions
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 90% Human Threat Indicator: 3
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: some government support and legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 8 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Smithsonian Institution. 1990. Global Volcanism Network Bulletin
15(7):7-8.
31 July 1990.
Last updated: 24/12/90
Aguijan (Agiguan) [17]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 14.70º N Long : 145.30º E
Area: 7.0 sq. km Altitude: ? m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 5 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 3000 km Isolation Index: 79
ISLAND TYPE: Natural Protection Indicator: 1
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 4 Marine: 4
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 3
feral goats and pigs
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited, visited occasionally
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Conservation support: legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial & old Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 6 Moderate
CI-Marine: 11 Moderate
Last updated: 24/12/90
Alamagan [10]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 17.58º N Long : 145.83º E
Area: 11.0 sq. km Altitude: 744 m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 35 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2600 km Isolation Index: 79
ISLAND TYPE: High volcanic Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Dormant high volcanic cone with lava flows and ash deposits
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones, volcanic eruptions
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 7 Marine: 3
Rain forest on lava flows, grasslands on ash slopes, tree ferns on upper
slopes Forest
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
1 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Plants
Cyathea alamagensis (tree fern) group? endemic
Styphelia mariannensis only Micronesian locality
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
probably present, Rare (RDB)
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 1 Group: 3
slight
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
upper slopes of conservation interest
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, small resident population
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 90% Human Threat Indicator: 3
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: some government support
DATA RELIABILITY: partial and old Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 10 Moderate
CI-Marine: 10 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Anatahan [13]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 16.36º N Long : 145.67º E
Area: 30.8 sq. km Altitude: 787 m
Shoreline: 24.1 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.7825
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 30 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2700 km Isolation Index: 80
ISLAND TYPE: active volcanic Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Volcanic island 9 by 3 km with compound caldera, east crater with hot
acid
lake, west crater includes caldera floor with 5 explosion craters, most
recent
deposits only a few hundred years old, earthquake activity in 1990, cone
dissected by ravines and ridges
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones, volcanic eruptions
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 7 Marine: 3
Rain forest, grassland on upper slopes and crater floor, intermittent
lake Forest
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB), possibly present
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
crater with grassy floor and intermittent lake
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, population evacuated April 1990
Population: 22 (1990) Density: 0.7 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: 4.4%/yr Increasing rapidly
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Disturbed by Japanese colonists and World War II military activity;
small
resident population increased from 10 to 22 before evacuation in 1990
due to
threat of volcanic eruption
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 90% Human Threat Indicator: 3
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: government support
DATA RELIABILITY: partial Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 10 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Global Volcanism Network Bulletin 15(4):13-14. 30 April 1990
Last updated: 24/12/90
Ascuncion (Asuncion) [3]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 19.71º N Long : 145.41º E
Area: 7.4 sq. km Altitude: 891 m
Shoreline: 10.5 km (scale 1:500000) Coastal Index: 1.4189
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 50 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 79
ISLAND TYPE: high volcanic cone Natural Protection Indicator: 2
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
High active volcanic cone, radially dissected with ravines
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: volcanic eruptions, cyclones
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 1
Rain forest in ravines with best forest development in northern islands,
grasslands and fernlands on upper slopes Forest
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
1 |
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 OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Plants
new endemic tree
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB), locally not threatened by introduced predators
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 1 Group: 3
endemic tree
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 1
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 0
active volcano; best forest in northern islands
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited, visited occasionally
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Major Human Activities: coconut plantations
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Coconut plantations on lower slopes
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 2
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 13 Moderate
CI-Marine: 7 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Farallon de Medinilla [14]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 16.02º N Long : 146.07º E
Area: 0.9 sq. km Altitude: 81 m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 60 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2700 km Isolation Index: 82
ISLAND TYPE: Raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 2
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 3
Limestone scrub
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Major Human Activities: military bombing range
Conservation support: land tenure
DATA RELIABILITY: partial and old Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 6 Moderate
CI-Marine: 11 Moderate
Last updated: 24/12/90
Farallon de Pajaros (Uracas) [1]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 20.55º N Long : 144.90º E
Area: 2.0 sq. km Altitude: 319 m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 40 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 79
ISLAND TYPE: high active volcanic cone Natural Protection Indicator: 2
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Active high volcanic cone, several recent eruptions
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: volcanic eruptions (last in 1943); cyclones
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS:
Recent colonizers of fresh volcanic material
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 1
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
seabird rookery
active volcano, several recent eruptions (1943)
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited, seldom visited
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
HUMAN IMPACTS:
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 10 Moderate
CI-Marine: 7 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Guguan [11]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 17.33º N Long : 145.85º E
Area: 4.0 sq. km Altitude: 301 m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 35 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2600 km Isolation Index: 79
ISLAND TYPE: High volcanic Natural Protection Indicator: 2
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Two volcanic cones, northern active with bare cinders, southern dormant,
deep
ravines, coastal cliffs
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones, volcanic eruptions
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 6 Marine: 3
Lowland rain forest on southern cone Forest
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB), possibly present
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
seabird rookery
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Conservation support: some government support and legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial and old Data Rel. Indicator: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 10 Moderate
CI-Marine: 12 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Maug Islands - including North, East, West Islets [2]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 20.03º N Long : 145.32º E
Area: 2.0 sq. km Altitude: 227 m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 50 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2500 km Isolation Index: 79
ISLAND TYPE: remnants of volcanic cone Natural Protection Indicator: 2
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Three islet remnants of volcanic cone, North (227 m), East (215 m) and
West
(178 m), with steep cliffs of columnar basalt; submerged coral limestone
terrace at 25 m depth off West Island.
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS:
Scrub and grasses, coconuts on East Island; rocky shore and lagoon with
algal
mat and scattered corals; fringing reef off West Island. Coral reefs
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
59 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
16 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
1 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Plants
59 species including several group endemics but no island endemics
Lysimachia mauritiana
Birds
11 seabirds, 2 shore birds, 3 land birds:
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB)
Aplonis opaca aeneus (Micronesian Starling) subspecies endemic to
northernmost Mariana Islands
Halcyon chloris owstoni (White-collared Kingfisher) subspecies endemic
to
the northernmost Mariana Islands
Mammals
Pteropus mariannus (Marianas Fruit Bat) group endemic
Marine life
232 fish species, 130 invertebrate species including 24
opisthobranchs, 60
algae
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 2
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 1
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
seabird rookery
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited, previous occupation 1939-44
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Former Japanese weather station and fish processing plant 1939-1944;
otherwise
uninhabited since 1695.
Conservation support: tenure, government support, legislation
PROTECTED AREAS: Protected Area Coverage Indicators - Terrestrial: 7 Marine: 0
Number: 1 Area: Terrestrial: 2.0 sq. km Marine: 0 sq. km
Protected under the constitution as a strict nature reserve (200 ha)
DATA RELIABILITY: Data Rel. Indicator: 2
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 10 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Pagan [9]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 18.10º N Long : 145.77º E
Area: 46.6 sq. km Altitude: 579 m
Shoreline: 40.2 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.8627
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 45 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2600 km Isolation Index: 80
ISLAND TYPE: Volcanic cluster Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Cluster of active volcanic cones linked by lava and ash, eruption
continuing
since 1981; fresh water lake with hot sulphur springs, brackish lake
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones, volcanic eruptions
Threat Indicator: 2
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 8 Marine: 3
Light forest and scrub, grasslands, swamp, lakes Forest
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
2 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB)
Gallinula chloropus guami (Marianas Gallinule or Common Moorhen) group
endemic subspecies, Rare (RDB)
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 0
Freshwater lake with hot sulphur springs; brackish lake
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, small population
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
Major Human Activities: agriculture
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Some cultivation
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 90% Human Threat Indicator: 3
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: some government support and legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 10 Moderate
CI-Marine: 10 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Palmyra [1856]
Group: Archipelago: Line Islands
Country: United States - Palmyra Region: Oceania 15
Lat: 5.87º N Long : 162. 8º W
Area: 6.6 sq. km Altitude: 2 m
Land < 5 m elevation: 6.6 sq. km Sea level rise risk: 9
Submerged area <100 m: 0 sq. km Reef area: 0 sq. km Lagoon area: 160 sq. km
Depth to nearest land: 4000 m
Nearest island: 250 km group: 1500 km
Nearest continent: North America Distance: 5000 km Isolation Index: 125
ISLAND TYPE: atoll with over 50 islets Natural Protection Indicator: 0
CLIMATE: wet tropical
WATER BALANCE: high rainfall
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 2 Marine: 3
Dense vegetation, wet atoll forest with Pisonia; windward and leeward
atoll
reefs and open lagoon
Percent of land: Forested: 99% Developed: 0% Degraded: 0%
Percent shoreline: Coral Reef: 98% Mangrove: 0%
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
15 |
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:
few
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
none
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 0
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
seabird rookery
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 1
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, reduced to 40 since 1979
Population: 40 (1979) Density: 6.1 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: 0.0%/yr Stable
Major Human Activities: coconut plantations, former military base
Accessibility: port, airport
DATA RELIABILITY: old Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 1
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 11 Moderate
CI-Marine: 2 Low
Last updated: 02/09/90
Rota [18]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 14.15º N Long : 145.21º E
Area: 95.7 sq. km Altitude: 491 m
Shoreline: 52.1 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.5444
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 80 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 3000 km Isolation Index: 86
ISLAND TYPE: high volcanic and raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
High volcanic centre surrounded by raised coral terraces
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 8 Marine: 5
Rain forest on upper terraces with rare and endemic plants; grasslands
and
scrub on volcanic slopes; fringing reef, submarine terrace Forest Coral reefs
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
4 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
1 |
3 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Plants
Serianthes nelsonii (Leguminosae) endemic to Rota and Guam, Endangered
(RDB)
Tabernaemontana rotensis, rare on Rota, one tree on Guam
Hernandia labyrinthica, group endemic, rare
Boerlagiodendron sp., group endemic
Heritiera longipetiolata (Sterculiaceae) group endemic, Endangered
(RDB)
Xylosoma nelsonii, Rota and Guam
Birds
Ptilinopus roseicapilla (Marianas Fruit Dove) group endemic, Guam,
Rota,
Tinian, Saipan, Vulnerable (RDB), common locally (1977).
Zosterops conspicillata rotensis (Rota Bridled White-eye) endemic
subspecies, forest on Sabana plateau, Indeterminate (RDB)
Corvus kubaryi (Marianas Crow) endemic to Rota and Guam, Endangered
(RDB),
less than 100 (1976).
Aplonis opaca (Micronesian Starling) group endemic
SPECIES RICHNESS:
moderate
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 1 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 1
vegetation of considerable conservation interest
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 3
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited
Population: 1104 (1973) Density: 11.5 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: 4.4%/yr Increasing rapidly
Major Human Activities: market gardening
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 50% Human Threat Indicator: 2
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 6
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 10 Moderate
CI-Marine: 11 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 21/08/88
Saipan [15]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 15.17º N Long : 145.77º E
Area: 122.9 sq. km Altitude: 474 m
Shoreline: 68.6 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.5582
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 10 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2800 km Isolation Index: 78
ISLAND TYPE: High volcanic and raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
High volcanic centre surrounded by raised coral platforms
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 10 Marine: 8
Scrub and secondary vegetation of Acacia confusa, Casuarina and coconuts
with
many introduced species; grasslands; possibly cloud forest on Mt.
Tapachau;
lake; mangroves, fringing reefs and coastal lagoon. Forest Coral reefs, Mangroves
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
1 |
4 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Birds
Anas oustaleti (Marianas Mallard)* group endemic, Lake Susupe and
mangrove
area north of Garapan, Endangered (RDB), not sighted since 1979
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
Rare (RDB), possible recolonization in late 1970s
Gallinula chloropus guami (Marianas Gallinule or Common Moorhen) group
endemic subspecies, Lake Susupe, Rare (RDB), 2 reported on Lake
Susupe
(1975)
Cleptornis marchei (Golden Honeyeater) endemic
Acrocephalus luscinia luscinia (Nightingale Reed Warbler) 6 colonies
at Lake
Susupe, uncommon
Ptilinopus roseicapilla (Marianas Fruit Dove) group endemic, Guam,
Rota,
Tinian, Saipan, Vulnerable (RDB), uncommon locally (1977).
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 1 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 2
green turtle nesting
Lake Susepe; enclosed marine grotto; Tanapag Lagoon
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 4
many introduced species
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, capital and main population centre
Population: 12366 (1973) Density: 100.6 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: 4.4%/yr Increasing rapidly
Major Human Activities: tourism, government,, agriculture
HUMAN IMPACTS:
heavily colonized and cultivated by Japanese 1914-1944; stripped of
vegetation
by W.W.II fighting; reseeded with Acacia; former administrative centre
of U.S.
Trust Territory, population centre and capital of Northern Marianas,
major
tourism development
Accessibility: port, airport
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 10
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 10 Moderate
CI-Marine: 14 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Sarigan [12]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 16.72º N Long : 145.78º E
Area: 4.9 sq. km Altitude: 549 m
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 30 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2700 km Isolation Index: 80
ISLAND TYPE: High volcanic Natural Protection Indicator: 1
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
High volcanic cone, radially dissected with ravines, coastal cliffs
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 6 Marine: 3
Rain forest in ravines, Miscanthus grassland on upper slopes
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
128 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Plants
128 species recorded
Birds
Megapodius laperouse laperouse (Marianas Megapode) group endemic
subspecies,
10-15 reported 1978, Rare (RDB)
SPECIES RICHNESS:
Species Richness Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 1 Marine: 0
archaeological sites
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 3
feral goats and pigs
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Uninhabited, formerly inhabited
Population: 0 Density: 0.0 persons/sq. km
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Conservation support: government support; tenure; legislation
PROTECTED AREAS: Protected Area Coverage Indicators - Terrestrial: 7 Marine: 0
Number: 1 Area: Terrestrial: 5.0 sq. km Marine: 0 sq. km
Protected under the constitution as a strict nature reserve (490 ha)
DATA RELIABILITY: partial and old Data Rel. Indicator: 1
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 3
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 9 Moderate
CI-Marine: 10 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
Tinian [16]
Group: Archipelago: Mariana Islands
Country: United States - Northern Mariana Islands Region: Oceania 12
Lat: 15.01º N Long : 145.62º E
Area: 102.0 sq. km Altitude: 170 m
Shoreline: 51.2 km (scale 1:1000000) Coastal Index: 0.5020
Depth to nearest land: 2000 m
Nearest island: 5 km group: 500 km
Nearest continent: Asia Distance: 2800 km Isolation Index: 78
ISLAND TYPE: Raised coral Natural Protection Indicator: 0
GEOLOGY/SOILS:
Raised limestone terraces 20 by 9 km, rising to 178 m (Kastiyu) and 166
m (Mt.
Lasu)
CLIMATE: wet tropical 20-32øC, 2000 mm
CATASTROPHIC THREATS: cyclones
Threat Indicator: 1
ECOSYSTEMS: Number of Ecosystems - Terrestrial: 8 Marine: 6
Leucaena forest (38%), secondary forest (19%), native limestone forest
(5%),
grasslands (31%), strand vegetation (4%), marshland (0.1%); fringing
reefs Coral reefs
Percent of land: Forested: 25% Developed: 2% Degraded: 1%
| SPECIES NUMBERS: |
Total |
Endemic |
Threatened (EVRI) |
| Plants |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Butterflies |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Land snails |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Rept/Amphib |
9 |
0 |
0 |
| Land birds |
0 |
1 |
3 |
| Mammals |
0 |
0 |
0 |
SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST:
Reptiles/Amphibians:
9 probable natives, 14 species including introductions
Birds
Gallinula chloropus guami (Marianas Gallinule or Common Moorhen) group
endemic subspecies, Lake Hagoi and Marpo Swamp, only one observed
locally
(1974), Rare (RDB)
Monarcha takatsukasae (Tinian Monarch) endemic
Ptilinopus roseicapilla (Marianas Fruit Dove) group endemic, Guam,
Rota,
Tinian, Saipan, Vulnerable (RDB), rare on Tinian
Anas oustaleti (Marianas Mallard)* group endemic, Endangered (RDB),
possibly
present, Lake Hagoi.
SPECIES RICHNESS:
poor
ENDEMISM: Terrestrial: Terrestrial Endemism Indicator - Island: 1 Group: 3
Marine endemic species: 0
Marine Endemism Indicator - Island: 0 Group: 2
SPECIAL FEATURES : Special Features Indicator - Terrestrial: 3 Marine: 1
some green turtle nesting
small Lake Hagoi in centre; important archaeological sites
INVASIVE SPECIES: Invasive Species Indicator: 3
many introduced plant species
Bufo marinus (Cane Toad) introduced 1937
Varanus indicus (Monitor Lizard) introduced by islanders, preys on
domestic
fowl
HUMAN OCCUPATION: Inhabited, heavily impacted
Population: 1000 (1989) Density: 9.8 persons/sq. km
Growth Rate: 4.4%/yr Increasing rapidly
Major Human Activities: agriculture, military retention area
HUMAN IMPACTS:
Heavily impacted by humans and livestock; former large indigenous
population;
domestic and feral grazing over 400 years; extensive clearance for sugar
cane
under Japanese occupation; military construction during World War II,
large
airstrip; proposed for military development
Habitat: town Urban Pop: 0 Urban Indicator: 0
Accessibility: airport
Percent population in agr/mining/fishing: 50% Human Threat Indicator: 2
Gross Domestic Product: $ 811 per capita Economic Pressure Indicator: 0
Conservation support: legislation
DATA RELIABILITY: partial Data Rel. Indicator: 2
HUMAN IMPACT INDEX HI: 6
CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE INDEX CI-Terrestrial: 13 Moderate
CI-Marine: 12 Moderate
REFERENCES:
Last updated: 24/12/90
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