French Polynesia is a paradisiacal holiday destination, but it also harbors a varied and fascinating wildlife. The Polynesian islands shelter unique species that are both beautiful and curious. We invite you to discover the wildlife of French Polynesia and marvel at its diversity. Here is a non-exhaustive list of its most beautiful specimens:
- Tropical birds
- Manta rays
- Sea turtles
- Tropical fish
- Dolphins
- Humpback whales
Aquatic wildlife
The waters of the planet host a vast variety of aquatic animals. Aquatic wildlife refers to the collective of animals that live in an aquatic or wet environment, whether terrestrial or marine. This includes fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other invertebrates as well as amphibians and reptiles.
Variety of aquatic wildlife
Marine wildlife is very diverse and includes several thousand different marine species, each with its own characteristics. The largest marine animals are humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales, and sharks. Marine wildlife also features a large number of small species such as shrimp, crabs, squids, and other invertebrates.
Aquatic habitats
Many aquatic animals live in varied habitats such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. Each habitat hosts a variety of different species adapted to its particular environment. For example, a lake may harbor a wide variety of fish such as pike, zander, or black bass, but it can also host amphibians such as frogs or salamanders.
Important roles
Aquatic wildlife plays a vital role in both marine and terrestrial environments. Fish contribute to maintaining the balance between predator and prey populations by controlling certain organisms that harm the environment, such as certain toxic algae. Invertebrates also help clean the environment by consuming dead organic matter found on the ocean and sea floors.
Reptiles
Reptiles are a fascinating and varied group of animals found in the wildlife of French Polynesia. This region is characterized by warm and humid climates, making it an ideal place for reptiles. A variety of sea turtles, lizards, snakes, and even a small number of crocodiles can be found here.
Sea turtles are one of the largest reptiles you will find in Polynesian wildlife. Most islands host several different species, some of which are very rare and endangered. Green and loggerhead turtles are the most common in the region, as well as hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherback turtles. The islands also host a variety of lizards such as the blue-footed gecko or the tokay gecko.
There are also a few venomous snakes such as the boa constrictor, king cobra, and black mamba that can be found in certain isolated places on the Polynesian islands. Despite this, it is rarely reported that these species attack or cause problems for people or the local wildlife.
Finally, although there are not many wild crocodiles in French Polynesia, a few can be found on some of the most remote islands. These animals are generally harmless and do not pose a threat to local inhabitants or surrounding wildlife.
Birds
Birds are one of the most abundant and diverse animals in Polynesian wildlife. There is a great diversity of species, including aquatic birds, diurnal and nocturnal raptors, as well as hummingbirds and parrots. Birds are present in all types of habitats in French Polynesia, both on land and at sea.
In the islands of the Polynesian archipelago, there are over 300 different species of terrestrial birds, most of which are found in humid tropical forests. The main species include the kouakoua (an endemic crow), the moa (an endemic parrot), and several species of hawks, including the white-tailed hawk. Most terrestrial birds are herbivorous and primarily feed on fruits, seeds, and insects.
Moreover, French Polynesia is home to a unique variety of aquatic birds that populate its inland and coastal waters. These species include various ducks, petrels, Arctic terns, and albatrosses. There are also a few endemic hummingbirds such as the emerald green hummingbird, which is the national bird of the country.
From an ornithological perspective, French Polynesia is a place rich in biodiversity due to its wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic bird species that contribute to its natural beauty. The conservation of natural habitats is essential to ensure the long-term survival of this unique avian wildlife that has been so well preserved by the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants for centuries.
Mammals
Mammals are animals that share several unique characteristics, including the presence of hair and mammary glands. Mammals are also characterized by their ability to produce babies that are nourished by maternal milk. The class of mammals is divided into several subclasses, including monotremes, marsupials, and placentals.
Common characteristics
Mammals have skin covered in hair and mammary glands that produce milk to nourish their young. Mammals also have a complex respiratory system called “homeothermic respiratory system,” which allows animals to maintain a stable body temperature. Additionally, most mammals have a relatively large and developed brain that enables them to react quickly to their environment.
Subclasses
Mammals are divided into three main subclasses: monotremes, marsupials, and placentals. Monotremes include animals such as the platypus and the giant otter; they are distinguished by the absence of external nipples and the fact that they lay eggs. Marsupials include animals such as kangaroos and koalas; they carry their young in a ventral pouch called a “marsupium” until they are large enough to survive on their own. Placentals encompass all other mammals; they give birth to live young nourished by the placenta.
Endemic wildlife
The endemic wildlife of French Polynesia is very rich and varied. It includes many rare and endangered species, some of which are exclusively endemic to the region. The terrestrial fauna comprises tropical birds such as the black-headed flycatcher, the green thrush, and the orange-red foudi; mammals such as the Polynesian rat, the golden possum, and the chevrotain; and reptiles such as tokay geckos, Moorea boas, and red-tailed iguanas.
In Polynesian waters, there is also a wide variety of endemic species such as hammerhead sharks, manta rays, blue and green sea parrots, as well as several species of tropical fish. Many invertebrates such as basket crabs, long-tailed shrimp, and giant snails are also present in the endemic marine wildlife of French Polynesia.
The wildlife of French Polynesia: a rich and varied heritage
French Polynesia is a true wonder of nature, with its unique and varied wildlife. The marine, terrestrial, and airborne species are numerous and diverse, offering visitors breathtaking spectacles. The biodiversity of the archipelago is exceptional, and the conservation efforts led by local authorities are remarkable. The wildlife of French Polynesia is therefore a heritage that deserves to be preserved and protected for future generations.