Endemic SpeciesAn endemic species is one that occurs nowhere else in the world. Islands tend to have a lot of endemic species due to allopatric speciation, or the separation of a population that restricts gene flow. Islands often become their own little worlds evolving independently!
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Endangered SpeciesPalau, like much of Southeast Asia, has its fair share of threatened and endangered species. These are species that are almost extinct. Causes for this include habitat destruction, environmental changes, and being outcompeted by non-native species.
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Invasive SpeciesInvasive species are species who have colonized a new habitat, often by being introduced by man. Many invasive species fail to gain a foothold, but those who do often proliferate without bound due to a lack of natural predators and native species having no defenses against the introduced species.
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The moist tropical forests of Palau are an increasingly rare ecosystem. Like all rainforests, it is divided into layers allowing for a 3D ecosystem. The tallest trees make up the canopy with shorter, shade-tolerant plants below.
http://www.edibleplantsinvietnam.com/uploads/1/2/6/8/12680760/6913434_orig.jpg
Breadfruit Tree, or Artocarpus altilis, is a flowering tree in the Mulberry family that produces large fruits. This tree is common in Palau, as it is in many surrounding islands. Breadfruit grows to the size of a grapefruit and one tree can produce up to 200 fruits per season. The fruit can be eaten at all stags of development, in any way. Many people eat it as like a potato as it is similarly starchy. The fruit tree can grow anywhere on the island and does not face any concerns of endangerment. It honored in the Palaun culture as it is viewed as a special, mythical tree.
Breadfruit Tree, or Artocarpus altilis, is a flowering tree in the Mulberry family that produces large fruits. This tree is common in Palau, as it is in many surrounding islands. Breadfruit grows to the size of a grapefruit and one tree can produce up to 200 fruits per season. The fruit can be eaten at all stags of development, in any way. Many people eat it as like a potato as it is similarly starchy. The fruit tree can grow anywhere on the island and does not face any concerns of endangerment. It honored in the Palaun culture as it is viewed as a special, mythical tree.
The Giant Tree Fern, or Cyathea spp. Although this fern grows to the size of a tree, it is not a tree. Ferns are a common species found in tropical moist forests and the Tree Fern does not face any threats of endangerment. Ferns are very prevalent as they have the ability to self reproduce. If you plant a frond, a new fern will grow. This is naturally growing in Palau, but is also common in many other locations within the Micronesia territory. Photo courtesy of http://university.uog.edu/botany/images/tree_fern.jpg |
A full species lists is available here:
geo_113-_palau_species_-_sheet1_(1).pdf | |
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