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Cause for Concern in Polynesia, Hawaii, Cook Islands, Oceania
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Ogasawara subtropical moist forests
Many endemic plant species, especially orchids, are threatened with extinction because of human disturbances, goat grazing, and the introduction of non-native plant species. To combat these threats, however, the Japanese have protected large areas as national parks.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Palau tropical moist forests
Once almost completely forested, Palau now has about 75 percent forest cover. Large areas of southern Babeldaob were cleared for pineapple and sugar plantations while the islands were under Japanese rule during World War II. A current threat to a local palm species is an introduced cockatoo that destroys its crowns. Habitat loss from development is threatening some native birds, particularly on Babeldaob and Koror.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Rapa Nui and Sala-y-Gomez subtropical broadleaf forests
The first Polynesians reached Rapa Nui in the 5th century AD. By the time Europeans arrived in the early 18th century, the island was already nearly deforested. Current environmental problems include damage from archaeological investigations, soil erosion, and damage such as trampling and soil compaction caused by tourism. Islanders do not always heed regulations for a large protected area called Rapa Nui Park and are prone to carry on traditional practices over conservation. Chile has recently announced plans to increase the pace of development on the island.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Samoan tropical moist forests
Since the Polynesians arrived to these islands about 3,000 years ago, more than 80 percent of the lowland rain forest has been lost. Forests have been cleared for agriculture and timber. Cyclones occasionally devastate large areas of forest and are especially damaging to smaller, remnant forest patches. Subsistence hunting threatens many local species, including pigeons, fruit bats, and coconut crabs. There are a few protected areas on the islands, including the O Le Pupu Pu National Park. Introduced species, such as cats, rats, and the Upolo (Mikania micrantha), or "mile-a-minute" vine, threaten many native species and habitats.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Society Islands tropical moist forests
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.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Tongan tropical moist forests
Most intact rain forest blocks have been cleared. Only remnants remain on Tongatapu, Eua, and a few other islands. Forest clearing, poaching for food and feathers, and introduced species that compete with or prey upon native fauna all threaten the islands' wildlife. For example, black and Norway rats can have a catastrophic effect on breeding sea birds and other passerine (perching) birds by eating their eggs.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Tuamotu tropical moist forests
Introduced species such as goats, rabbits, rats, and cats have drastically reduced much of the biodiversity of this ecoregion, driving many bird species to extinction. The Gambier Islands have lost about 98 percent of their native vegetation through clearing by humans and grazing by introduced species. Nuclear testing conducted by the French government has devastated many of the atolls in the southeastern portions of the Tuamotu archipelago.
Oceania
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Tubuai tropical moist forests
Among the major threats to the Tubuai Islands are clearing and burning of forests for agricultural development. Wild goats, pigs, cattle, rats, and horses also threaten the diversity of many of the islands. Rats in particular threaten native bird species by eating their eggs, young, and adults.
