Wailagilala Atoll: coral reefs, turtle nesting beaches and seabird populations
Sangeeta Mangubhai
A D , Mark O’Brien B and Jemma Aitken C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Wildlife Conservation Society, Suva, Fiji.
B BirdLife International, Suva, Fiji.
C Nai’a Cruises, Pacific Harbour, Fiji.
D Corresponding author. Email: smangubhai@gmail.com
Pacific Conservation Biology 28(2) 192-193 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21010
Submitted: 27 February 2021 Accepted: 3 May 2021 Published: 25 May 2021
Abstract
Wailagilala is one of two ‘true’ atolls in Fiji. Our findings confirm the presence of nesting green turtle (Chelonia mydas); continued occurrence of breeding seabird populations, including documenting the fifth site in Fiji of nesting white tern (Gygis alba); and provides data on coral genera and benthic cover.
References
Government of Fiji (1993). ‘Fiji’s National Environmental Strategy.’ (Government of Fiji: Suva.)Sykes, H., Le Grand, J., Davey, K., Kirmani, S. N., Mangubhai, S., Yakub, N., Wendt, H., Gauna, M., and Fernandes, L. (2018). Biophysically special, unique marine areas of Fiji. MACBIO, Wildlife Conservation Society and Fiji’s Protected Area Committee, Suva.
Tuamoto, T., and Sukal, A. (2009). Identification of Globally Important Seabird Populations in Fiji. Unpublished Report, BirdLife International Fiji Programme, Suva.
