| FishBase | Complete | Literature | Reference | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Species | Families | Species | Families | |||
| Marine | 1235 | 157 | No | |||
| Freshwater | 65 | 19 | No | Lewis, A.D. and C.K. Pring, 1986 | ||
| Total | 1299 | 166 | No | |||
| Conservation | Despite having lost nearly one-third of their forests since 1970, the two main islands of Fiji are rich in species and ecosystems. As a result of erosion, soil is transported into coastal ecosystems, which are also affected by coral sand extraction, oil exploration, sewage, and overfishing. However, with its rich plant and animal life and low population growth, Fiji’s environmental problems are not severe. The following information is to be sought: - Existence of conservation plans; - Information on major aquatic habitats or sites within the country; - Contact(s) for further information. |
| Geography and Climate |
Fiji, located in the South Pacific Ocean, is made up of more than 800 islands and islets, 100 of which are inhabited. The largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, which together comprise more than 85 per cent of the total land area. Other major islands include Taveuni, Kadavu, and Koro. These islands, along with smaller islands of the Yasawa Group to the west, the Lau Group to the east, and numerous coral reefs, surround the Koro Sea. The island of Rotuma is located to the north. The largest islands are of volcanic origin and are mountainous. The highest peak is Mount Victoria (1,323 m) on Viti Levu. Rich alluvial soil is found in the river deltas. Small islands and islets are composed of coral reef and limestone formations.
Climatic conditions in the islands are tropical, tempered by the southeastern trade winds. The average annual temperature is 25°C. Rainfall is heavy in most areas and averages about 2,540 mm annually. Ref. Microsoft, 1996 |
| Hydrography |
Several rivers have cut valleys in the mountainous terrain of the large islands. Ref. Microsoft, 1996 |