French Polynesia Photograph by David Olson   French Polynesia, close to the center of the South Pacific Ocean Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests   600 square miles (1,600 square kilometers) -- about half the size of Rhode Island Critical/Endangered

· An Isolated Isle
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
More Photos

An Isolated Isle

If you were to sail a boat south from Hawaii, you might eventually reach a set of South Pacific islands known as the Society Islands. Some of these islands have volcanic origins and others have been created by coral, but all of them are known for their striking beauty and large numbers of endemic species. Society Islands pigeons, Tahiti swiftlets, and land snails are found on these tropical isles and nowhere else.

Special Features

There are a total of 14 islands in the Society Islands chain. Nine of these are made up of high dormant volcanoes; the rest are coral atolls. These islands range in age from 4.5 million to one million years old. A tropical climate prevails, with an average annual temperature of 79° F (26° C). From March to November, the islands are relatively dry and cool; from December to February, torrential rains are common. Annual rainfall on the islands ranges from 67 inches (170 cm) near sea level to 315 inches (800 cm) or more on the mountain peaks.

	Scientists think that all 53 species of Partula land snail found in the Society Islands are derived from a single species.

Wild Side

Isolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the Society Islands have had a long time to evolve unique life forms. The islands support 623 native species of vascular plants, including 273 found here and nowhere else. They also harbor 53 species of Partula land snails, whose beautiful shells were once found hidden among the canopy foliage on almost all the high islands. The Society Islands are also home to many endemic birds, including blue lorikeets, Tahiti kingfishers, and Tahiti reed warblers.

Cause for Concern

Unfortunately, the impact of humans has been devastating to the diversity of life on the Society Islands. Introduced species, most notably rats brought to the islands some 1000 to 2000 years ago, have driven many bird species to extinction. In addition, introduced snails have endangered many species of land snails and have driven others to extinction. Currently one of the greatest threats to the forests of the Society Islands is an introduced tree (Miconia calvescens) that now covers 65 percent of Tahiti and much of two other islands. Other invasive plant species include coffee, guava, mango, and African tulip tree.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.