|
back |
 |
| above: Die Austral Islands consisting of two groups of islands, of which the Tubuai Islands in principle are the southern extension of the Cook Islands chain, which is also confirmed by their flora. The Bass Islands, which are composed by the island of Rapa and the tiny Marotiri Rocks, in contrast show a complete different plant community. Rapa harbours on the one hand genera, that are typical for the tropical Central Polynesia, but it has also some species, which can be traced back to immigrants from North America. The number of endemic species however is not quite large, the more so as many islands are overgrazed by cattle and therefore a large number of species may have disappeared for ever. ... for more information click on island or name |