An assessment of the importance of the forests of South-East Viti Levu, Fiji

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Be cc, iS

An assessment of the importance of the forests

of south-east Viti Levu, Fiji.

Prepared by

The IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre,

Cambridge, U.K.

May 1986

This report has been prepared by the IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre under
contract to the U.K. Commonwealth Development Corporation. Its aim is to

assess the implications of proposals for rainforest exploitation in the
south-east of Viti Levu.

This document is intended for guidance but should in no way replace the advice
of local conservation experts or a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

ll.

12.

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SUMMARY

Like other high volcanic islands in the Pacific, Viti Levu, the main
island of Fiji, has diverse forests which are important watersheds, are
rich in endemic species and are of considerable regional significance.
Viti Levu has been identified, on the basis of its species endemism and an
analysis of its ecosystems and species richness, as the fifth most
important island for conservation in the Pacific.

There are approximately 1500 vascular plant species native to the islands
of Fiji of which 40-50% are endemic. The wet zone lowland forests of Viti
Levu east of the Sigatoka River are particularly species-rich.

Sixteen species of birds endemic to Fiji are found on Viti Levu together
with 1 endemic bat, 2 endemic reptiles and 2 endemic frogs. The majority
of these are known from forest regions.

There are probably in excess of 3500 species of terrestrial invertebrates
in the Fiji islands. Many groups are poorly known but evidence from the
Macrolepidoptera suggest almost 50% endemicity. The majority of endemics
is entirely dependent on the rain forests of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu.
Extensive logging has already occurred in the south-east part of Viti Levu
and further logging is likely to have serious consequences for the
remaining rain forests and their biota.

The three main rivers (Rewa, Navua and Sigatoka) draining to the south
coast have forested catchment areas and their water regimes may well be
altered by logging, particularly the Navua where logging is already heavy.
Logging generally leads to soil run-off through erosion, resulting in
increased sediment-loading in rivers and the deposition of silt in coastal
waters which has an impact on coral reefs and mangroves. Sedimentation is
already a major threat to the fringing reefs of Viti Levu which are one of
the country’s prime tourist attractions.

Removal of trees will reduce protection from hurricane damage.

Fiji has a series of 5-year Development Plans prepared by the Government
which provides for the use of Fiji's natural resources. The most recent,
the Ninth Development Plan, which is currently in operation, has a greatly
expanded conservation section.

Nevertheless, there is an inadequate reserve system both in terms of its
size and the diversity of natural habitat covered. Little provision has
been made to protect the rain forest of south-east Viti Levu, the only
reserve within this area being the Garrick Memorial Reserve. Additional
reserves have been proposed for this region.

Given the importance of the forests of south-eastern Viti Levu, logging
activities should only be increased following detailed environmental
impact assessments.

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CONTENTS

Summary

Contents

Introduction

Flora and fauna

Biogeographical considerations

Logging and its consequences

Impact on watersheds

Impact of logging on the marine environment
Impact of logging on flora and fauna
Protected Areas

Remedial Action

References

Appendix 1 Nature Reserves

Appendix 2 Proposed Reserves
Appendix 3 Endemic Palms

Appendix 4 Threatened Animal Species
Appendix 5 Endemic Animal Species

Appendix 6 Conservation Legislation

Page

Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2010 with funding from
UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge

http://www.archive.org/details/assessmentofimpo86iucn

Introduction

Fiji, situated in the path of prevailing south-east trade winds, has a
tropical marine climate and consists of over 300 islands of varied topography
including both low coral atolls and high volcanic islands. Viti Levu, the
largest, has a rugged mountainous interior, with peaks rising to over

1200 metres, which results in a wet windward south-east and a dry leeward
north-west. Annual rainfall is high, exceeding 3000 mm. The interior is
drained by five major rivers, the Rewa, Navua, Sigatoka, Ba and Nadi, the
first three draining through the south-eastern forests to the south coast.
The island is still densely vegetated in many areas, with rain forest in the
south-east and "talasinga" (dry forests, savanna woodlands and grasslands) in
the north-west. The south coast is known as the ‘Coral Coast’ and is
bordered by the longest chain of fringing reefs in Fiji, the only major break
being opposite the mouth of the Sigatoka River. Suva Barrier Reef,
protecting Suva Harbour and Laucala Bay, lies off the south-east corner of
the island.

Flora and fauna

Fiji has around 1500 native vascular plant species, including 310
pteridophytes. Forty to fifty per cent of native species are endemic, with
one endemic family (Degeneriaceae) and 11 endemic genera (nine of which are
monotypic, the remainder containing two or three species). In general,
endemic plant species are restricted to the remaining forested areas; the
lowland forests of the wet zone, such as those to the east of the Sigatoka
River on Viti Levu, are particularly species-rich. Virtually every forested
region of Fiji which is bounded by a major valley is the entire range of at
least one plant species. Upland rain forests support fewer tree species, but
the number of epiphytic species increases with altitude (especially among
orchids and ferns). There is no comprehensive list of rare and threatened
plants for Fiji but data are available for palms, ten species endemic to Fiji
occurring in south-east Viti Levu. A full list of endemic palms is given in
Appendix 3 with their distribution within Viti Levu where known.

Endemic vertebrates are listed in Appendix 5. No large land animals are
native to Fiji. Yhere are two endemic bats, one of which is known from Viti
Levu. Sixteen of the 23 endemic Fijian birds occur in the forests of Viti
Levu, nine primarily or exclusively in mature forests. On Viti Levu, four
species occur only in the forests of the south-east (although they may occur
on other islands) and one, the Pink-billed Parrotfinch Erythrura
kleinschmidti (IUCN category: Rare) is endemic to this region. There are
seven (or eight — with a possible new species) endemic reptiles in Fiji, one
of which -— the elapid snake Ogmodon vitianus (IUCN category: Indeterminate) -
occurs only on Viti Levu. There are two endemic frogs, the eastern-most
frogs of the South Pacific, both of which occur on Viti Levu.

There are a large number of endemic invertebrates on Viti Levu, most of which
are poorly known. Insects, one of the better known groups, include over 3000
species, representing an extremely important part of the island's biota. The
majority of Fijian insects are in the orders Lepidoptera (1000+), Coleoptera
(1000+), Diptera (300+) and Hymenoptera

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(250+). The literature on Fijian insects is scanty; the only complete
catalogue is for the Macrolepidoptera (butterflies and larger moths).
Nearly half of Fiji’s 400 Macrolepidoptera are endemic and the majority
of these endemics are entirely dependent on the rain forests of the two
major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. Endemism among molluscs is
also high, particularly at the generic level, and many taxa are forest
dwellers.

Biogeographical considerations

Biogeographic relationships and patterns of dispersal in the South
Pacific are far from being clearly understood. What is certain,
however, is that the richness and high endemicity remoteness of the
rain forests of Vanua and Viti Levu are of regional as well as local
Significance.

The origin of the Fijian fauna and flora has been contentious. Some
authorities have envisaged a mainly continental biota, part of a once
much larger land mass possibly connected to Australia. More recent
work, however, gives greater credence to an insular biota, acquired
mainly via oceanic migration routes. The Melanesian and Polynesian
islands lie like stepping stones from New Guinea to the eastern
Pacific, providing a variety of routes for the colonization of those
islands by animals and plants. Without doubt the fauna and flora of
Fiji has its origin in New Guinea, the Solomons and Vanuatu (with the
probable exception of Fiji's two iguanas and one boa, which are almost
certainly Central or South American in origin). The mode of dispersal
is believed to have been mainly by flotation (plants, some
invertebrates) and by flight, either directly (birds, insects,
arachnids) or as passengers (plants, molluscs). Flights by Lepidoptera
of 1500 km or more are commonplace in the Pacific.

However, the flora and fauna of Fiji are quite different from, and much
richer than, those of the islands of the eastern Pacific. Fiji
features weakly or not at all in the patterns of taxa spreading
eastwards (whereas Vanuatu and Samoa are often involved, at least for
Macrolepidoptera). The vegetational and physical diversity of Vanua
Levu and Viti Levu has permitted the establishment of a large number of
species, many of them rain forest inhabitants. These forests then, are
the key to diversity in Fiji.

Vanua Levu and Viti Levu are last outposts for many rain forest
organisms. A large proportion of the fauna and flora of these islands
remains endemic and reaches no further eastwards for the simple reason
that there are few rain forests in that direction. Small rain forests
occur within the Samoas, but in general the attenuation of species in
an easterly direction is rapid. Twenty-three per cent of the
indigenous phanerogam flora of Fiji extends no further eastwards, most
of these being endemic forest plants with heavy seeds. Similarly, the
50 per cent endemic Macrolepidoptera are virtually all rain forest
species. The species of larger moths and butterflies that are common
to the islands of Fiji and Polynesia tend to be restricted to the
talasinga (dry) areas of the former and the low-lying coral atolls and
raised limestone islands of the latter. Such Polynesian islands are
too small and too isolated for the seeds of many forest plants to reach
them, and often too dry for the seeds to prosper.

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255).
Logging and its consequences

There is currently little accessible lowland rain forest left on Fiji's
two largest islands and much of the natural forest has disappeared on
Viti Levu. Forested sections of the south-east have been heavily
logged, largely due to easy accessibility from the capital Suva.

Further pressure on these forests will have a serious effect on their
flora and fauna.

Impact on watersheds

Rain forests have an important function in controlling the water cycle
of the region, and on islands such as Viti Levu which are subject to
severe hurricanes they afford considerable protection. Flooding
earlier this year may have been exacerbated by the extensive logging
that has already occurred. Logging on steep slopes or in areas with
heavy rainfall leads to soil instability, subsequent erosion and loss
of nutrients, particularly on volcanic soils such as those of Viti
Levu. Soil run-off increases the turbidity of streams and rivers and
may reduce the availability of pure water supplies. Much of the high
rainfall on Viti Levu drains through the Rewa, Sigatoka and Navua
Rivers to the south coast; logging within these watersheds would
significantly increase their sediment loading. Of particular concern
is the Navua catchment which contains approximately half the standing
crop of harvestable timber.

Impact of logging on the marine environment

Sediment carried downstream by rivers is deposited along the coast and
can adversely affect the marine environment. Coral mortality in the
Suva area, due to the removal of vegetation from the watershed of the
Rewa River, was recorded as early as 1924 and increased sediment
loading in coastal waters is now recognised as being the major threat
to Fiji's reefs. Corals invariably require clear, relatively
nutrient-poor water as they depend on symbiotic algae within their
tissues for their nutrients. Turbid waters inhibit photosynthesis in
the algae, resulting in the death of the coral. Silt also causes
oxygen depletion in the water and inhibits the recruitment of coral
larvae which require a firm substrate for settling. Throughout the
world, increased sediment loading of coastal waters is leading to
Significant damage on fringing reefs.

The Coral Coast is the main tourist resort area in Fiji, tourism being
the second major source of foreign exchange in the country. The reefs
are a major attraction for snorkelling, glass bottom boat tours, SCUBA
diving and recreational fishing. They also provide an important source
of fish and shellfish to local villagers and protect beaches from
erosion by wave action and storms. The Suva Barrier Reef, rated as one
of the top SCUBA diving sites in the world, may also be affected
although it lies offshore. Water quality is deteriorating in the Suva
Harbour area and further siltation in the Rewa River should be avoided
at all costs if the appeal of this site is to be maintained. Damage to
the south coast reefs from increased siltation in the Sigatoka, Navua
and Rewa Rivers could have a significant impact on the tourist industry
if the reefs lose their reputation with overseas visitors.

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Mangroves, a second important coastal habitat, serve as nursery areas
for economically important fish, contribute to the protection of the
coastline and play a major role in preventing siltation of coral
reefs. They grow best in areas with significant inputs of freshwater,
which may therefore be significantly altered by loss of forest. In
Fiji, the main threat to mangroves is land reclamation, and there is a
major effort underway to document this and formulate future management
options. Indirect impacts from logging activities through altered
freshwater input and increased sediment loading could negate these
efforts to maintain pristine samples of mangrove habitat along the
south coast, for example the proposed Samabula River mangrove reserve,
near the mouth of the Rewa River.

Impact of logging on flora and fauna

Complete surveys of plants and animals are not available at this time
(particularly for the invertebrates), but IUCN identifies 24 threatened
animal species occurring in Fiji, listed in Appendix 4. A tenet of
biogeographical theory is that the diversity of a fauna is, to some
extent, a function of the area of vegetation with which it is
associated. Any reduction of that area must be deleterious in terms of
reducing diversity, the question is whether the losses are acceptable.
There are too few scientific data to predict when accumulated
reductions in area reduce diversity to such an extent that extinctions
of endemic species become likely. However, within the limited confines
of Fiji, where the small areas of rain forest are already under severe
pressure, an extension of logging operations should only be undertaken
with extreme caution and in the least environmentally disturbing way.
General comments on the main taxonomic groups are as follows:

Birds: Logging always adversely influences the number of bird
species supported within a forest area. Although a few
species increase their numbers and some others colonize the
area, the majority of species decline in abundance and some
species, usually those already at naturally low densities,
suffer extinction. The Pink-billed Parrotfinch is a
low-density species, endemic to south-eastern Viti Levu
forests, and is a prime candidate for total extinction if
logging on the island proceeds.

Reptiles: Too little information is available on the ecology of
Fiji's terrestrial reptiles to predict the consequences of
logging for their population levels.

Amphibians: The Fijian Ground Frog Platymantis vitianus and Fijian Tree
Frog P. vitiensis are respectively mainly and entirely
restricted to indigenous moist forest and thus particularly
at risk from logging operations.

Insects: It is only possible to assess the potential effects of
logging on the Macrolepidoptera but there is good reason to
suppose that the conclusions for this group of insects
would relate closely to other groups. There are no data on
the impact of logging on Fijian forests but in Vanuatu,
large scale logging operations at Nouankao River on
Erramango Island had an enormous and deleterious effect on
the Lepidoptera, resulting in dominance by cosmopolitan
species inhabiting secondary vegetation. Extinctions of
Lepidoptera on Fiji are now a real possibility; two endemic
forest species, Utetheisa clareae and Hypolimnas inopinata,
are already seriously threatened. It is a small
progression to the situation in Hawaii, where many species
of insects are extinct and literally hundreds endangered.

~ 8

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io sinsoas ‘edd 16 oldetinve ek noldamroini 9i44iL oot
do aesrentgo vane ‘eft toibeig od weLidger {eiadesyas: «it i4
| abies spbicial aiedt 702 gnigaol

yee neicia ott 4

v.25 30%4

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doeqai sits

Molluscs: Molluscs of the high volcanic islands are considered to be
under greatest threat of all molluscan faunas. For
example, on Hawaii, about 600 of the original 1061 endemic
terrestrial snails are now extinct and a further 200-300
are considered endangered. Loss of forest habitat has been
the major cause of their decline. Unfortunately the
molluscs of Viti Levu are poorly known, but by
extrapolation one can expect many extinctions with
increasing forest loss.

Plants: Particular groups of plant species at risk are epiphytes
such as ferns, orchids and bryophytes.

Protected areas

A review of the protected areas system of Oceania has recently been
carried out by Arthur Dahl for IUCN. Although this work is still in
draft form there are a number of conclusions which can be drawn. Dahl
drew up a list of all islands of sufficient size and/or isolation to be
potentially of some distinct conservation interest. A second list of
226 islands of significant conservation interest due to the presence of
features such as endemic species or protected areas was then drawn up
and subjected to an analysis based on values allotted for a variety of
features of conservation interest including ecosystem and species
richness, numbers of threatened species, endemism, etc. Viti Levu was
ranked fifth highest in importance after New Caledonia, Lord Howe, New
Guinea and Norfolk Island. The report also notes that east of Papua
New Guinea, the Solomons and Vanuatu, lowland rain forests generally
survive only as small fragments (or in remote islands or areas). It
suggests that whenever possible these remaining samples should be
included in protected areas (perhaps while allowing other compatible
uses such as education and recreation).

Plants and communities that are unique to or representative of Fiji’s
native flora and fauna are not represented within existing reserves and
should be protected, particularly on Viti Levu which has the greatest
variety of Fijian endemics. There are currently 12 protected areas in
Fiji, of which seven occur on Viti Levu.

The only reserve protecting forest in the area of interest to the
Commonwealth Development Corporation is the Garrick Memorial Reserve
which appears to be the only reasonably secure reserve in Fiji.
Situated 40 km west of Suva, it has an area of 695 ha, principally
covered with tropical rain forest and some secondary growth, and is the
only reserve on Viti Levu that is a truly representative sample of
medium—altitude rain forest. It was donated freehold to the National
Trust for Fiji and efforts are being made to develop it into the first
national park. It was selectively logged about 90 years ago, and
logging has occurred up to the marked boundary. Approximately half of
the reserve has been surveyed, but no species inventory is currently
available. 1t is nevertheless likely that many of the island's endemic
forest birds and other endemic species occur here but it is unlikely
that a reserve of this size is large enough to ensure species survival
in the long-term.

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one tae

The remaining six reserves within Viti Levu are listed in Appendix 1.
It is notable that there are no significant areas of land protected on
this island and those reserves that do exist are generally not
representative of the important habitats on the island. The
traditional land tenure system (where 83% of land is under communal
ownership) has meant that it is difficult to establish protected

areas. Of the 177 ‘natural phenomena’ identified in Fiji by the
National Trust, only 22 types are protected in nature reserves and most
of the recognised habitat types on Viti Levu appear to receive little
or no protection. Forestry legislation allows for the establishment of
Forest Reserves (as Crown Land or long-term native leases) and enables
parts of native land to be declared Protected Forest (with the consent
of the Native Land Trust Board). A small area of forests on ridges and
very steep slopes is classified as ‘protection forest’ and may not be
logged. Prior to 1975, all areas of mangrove outside urban areas were
declared forest reserves, but were declassified in 1975 to allow

Fijians to practise their traditional rights; they are now vulnerable
to development.

Dahl (1980) considered that Fiji will need large parks to provide
adequate protection for endemic birds, plants and marine ecosystems,
and many smaller reserves to protect more restricted ecosystems. This
is particularly true for Viti Levu which requires both mountain and
lowland forest reserves (preferably continuous), as well as separate
reserves in the east and west. The National Trust for Fiji has
stressed that the future of Fiji's rainforests and wildlife is far from
secure. It considers that the establishment of a system of reserves
and parks on Viti Levu, where development is proceeding most rapidly,
is a priority. Proposals have been made to extend the system of
protected areas; those within the specified area of interest in
south-eastern Viti Levu are listed in Appendix 2. If these proposals
are finalized and the areas protected, coverage of natural features by
protected areas will be considerably improved. However, as one of the
criteria for identifying suitable areas was to avoid conflict with
agricultural schemes, forestry projects and other development plans, it
is possible that several habitat types and their biota would still be
under represented within the protected areas system.

Remedial actions

This submission contains no specific recommendations, as these were not
requested and in any case only general observations could be made. The
most obvious of these must, however, be mentioned, namely the need for
extensive environmental impact assessment prior to any decision to
proceed with logging. Such assessment should treat not only the areas
proposed for logging but also the coastal areas downstream of them.
IUCN(CMC) is available for further suggestions and comment if required.

« @ =

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Tes2e00 of% o2f9 Jud gaizyof 203

References

1.

10.

1l.

12.

13.

14.
WEY 6

16.

Ash, J. and Vodonaivalu, S. (in prep.). Floristic inventory of Fiji.
Draft paper for a Report on Tropical Forest Inventory by D. Campbell.
Balgooy, M.M.J. van (1971). Plant-geography of the Pacific as Based on
a Census of Phanerogam Genera. Blumea Suppl. 6. Rijksherbarium,
Leiden.

Berry, M.J. and Howard, W.J. (1973). Fiji Forest Inventory. 2 vols.
Land Resources Study 12. Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Overseas
Development Administration.

Dahl, A.L. (1980). Regional Ecosystems Survey of the South Pacific
Area. Technical Paper 179. South Pacific Commission.

Dunlap, R.C. and Singh, B.B. (1980). A National Parks and Reserves
System for Fiji. A Report to the National Trust for Fiji. 3 vols.
Eaton, P. (1984). Land Tenure and Conservation: Protected Areas in the
South Pacific. Unpublished report.

Lal, P.N. (1984). Environmental Implications of Coastal Development in
Fiji. Ambio 13 (5-6): 316-321.

Myers, N. (1980). Conversion of Tropical Moist Forests. (A report
prepared for the Committee on Research Priorities in Tropical Biology
of the National Research Council). National Academy of Sciences,
Washington, D.C. 205 pp.

Robinson, G.S. (1975). Macrolepidoptera of Fiji and Rotuma: A
Taxonomic and Biogeographic study. E.W. Classey, Faringdon. 362 pp.
Saenger, P., Hegerl, E.J. and Davie, J.D.S. (Eds) (1983). Global
Status of Mangrove Ecosystems. Commission on Ecology Papers Number 3.
IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. 88 pp.

Singh, B. (1985). Country Review: Fiji. Third South Pacific National
Parks and Reserves Conference and Ministerial Meeting. Apia, Western
Samoa, 24 June - 3 July 1985.

Smith, A.C. (1951). The vegetation and flora of Fiji. Scientific
Monthly 73: 3-15.

Smith, A.C. (1979- ). Flora Vitiensis Nova: A New Flora of Fiji.
Pacific Tropical Botanic Garden, Hawaii. (2 vols so far. 1 -
Gymnosperms and monocotyledons except orchids, 495 pp.; 2 -
dicotyledons, 810 pp.; 3,4 - dicotyledons and orchids, in prep).
Smith, A.C. (1984). In litt.

Watling, D. (1982). Birds of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Millwood Press,
Wellington.

Wells, S.M. (1985). Fiji. IUCN Directory of Coral Reefs of
International Importance. Volume 3 Western Central Pacific. Draft.

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Appendix 1

Reserves within Viti Levu

A Garrick Memorial Reserve (described in text)

B Suva_and Namuka Forest Reserve, Bay of Islands, Suva containing:

Draunibota Nature Reserve 2 ha. Limestone island, forest
and scrub.

Labiko Nature Reserve 0.3 ha. Limestone island,
forest and scrub.

Vuo Nature Reserve 1.2 ha. Atoll, beach forest.

Cc Nadarivatu - Nadala Forest Reserve containing:

Nadarivatu Nature Reserve 93 ha. Approximately 80 km
north-west of Suva. Montane
rain forest.

Naqaranibuluti Nature Reserve 279 ha. 83 km north-north-west
of Suva. Montane rain forest
(includes Mt Lomalangi).

Tomanliivi Nature Reserve 1350 ha. 80 km north-north-west
of Suva. Montane rain forest
and cloud forest, (includes Mt
Victoria, Fiji's highest
mountain).

M9 Vr by a a
re.
Z \
1a 3
ys Tg
= '
we f
Lie ; ;
2 iN
ty
i
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meh
:
ago

* OF a
Pate ne Te

¥
ce) > et maal

Appendix 2

List of Proposed Reserves in the Area of Interest Specified by CDC

(in order of priority set by the National Trust for Fiji)

Proposed Area

Sigatoka Sand Dunes
Waidradra Agricultural Research

Station
Samabula River Mangroves

Naulu Lokia Swamps

Mt Voma - Korobasabasaga Range
Suva Barrier Reef

Navua Swamp

Savura Creek Catchment Area

Coral Coast Reefs
Navua River
Mt Rama - Korobaba Range

Reserve/

Park

D7

ts)

—

7D

Main reason for protection

geological feature
Neoveitchia storckii (palm)

unique species of mangrove and
conservation eduction
whitebrowed rail and other birds
geological feature.

protect reef

Sago palms

commercially valuable indigenous
spp. (tropical rain forest)
protect reefs and enhance tourism
perpetuation of culture
geological feature

War ed tee Ligede 2u6seant Spas eek 43 20a
Be Ab apd taaXK (nao ads "ee oom Beene anno ma | aes

2a

agi sretos4. 30: 38% ageeey oT aod ; i an never ‘4 1A ; =

moat a9v25 Ltasesal

sail, avonnnietl ed
ghee sal
eet etad baw

4

ix248 ava

pe) a bea) : joe eee :
. eae ee» Le E > 3 1 ; : 7 (
- apophatbet aldapd a die3 8 ae | i? fate) acon aS

Threatened Category Definitions used in Appendices 3 & 4.

The categories used in this list represent an assessment of the global
status of a species and do not necessarily refer to its status within Fiji.

Endangered (E)

Vulnerable (V)

Rare (R)

Indeterminate (I)

Insufficiently Known (K)

Commercially Threatened (CT)

Taxa in danger of extinction and whose survival
is unlikely if the causal factors continue
operating.

Taxa believed likely to move into the
"Endangered" category in the near faiture if the
causal factors continue operating.

Taxa with small world populations that are not at
present ‘Endangered’ or "Vulnerable" but are at
risk.

Taxa known to be ‘Endangered', ‘Vulnerable’ or
"Rare' but where there is not enough information
to say which category is appropriate.

Taxa that are suspected, but not definitely
known, to belong to any of the other categories
because of lack of information.

Taxa not currently threatened with extinction but
most or all of whose populations are threatened
as a sustainable resource, or will become so
unless their exploitation is regulated.

me)
i qwcns yond tae

Qi ibouotaws<? eLLwilae
; if

qi ie
{ gel
i)

Appendix 3

Endemic Palms of Fiji with the IUCN Categories.

Species

Balaka longirostris Becc.

Balaka macrocarpa Burret

Balaka microcarpa Burret

Balaka pauciflora (H.A.Wendl.) H.E.Moore
Balaka seemannii (H.A.Wendl.) Becc.
Calamus vitiensis Warb. ex Becc.

Clinostigma exorrhizum (H.A.Wendl.) Becc.

Cyphosperma tanga (H.E.Moore) H.E.Moore

Cyphosperma trichospadix (Burret) H.Moore

Goniocladus petiolatus Burret

Metroxylon vitiense (H.Wendl.) H.Wendl.
ex Hook.f.

Neoveitchia storckii (H.A.Wendl.) Becc.

Physokentia rosea H.E.Moore

Physokentia thurstonii (Becc.) Becc.
Pritchardia thurstonii F.Muell. & Drude
Veitchia filifera (H.A.Wendl.) H.E.Moore
Veitchia joannis H.A.Wendl.

Veitchia pedionoma (A.C.Smith) H.E.Moore
Veitchia petiolata (Burret) H.E.Moore
Veitchia pickeringii (H.A.Wendl.) H.Moore
Veitchia sessilifolia (Burret) H.E.Moore
Veitchia simulans H.E.Moore

Veitchia vitiensis (H.A.Wendl.) H.Moore

Veitchia sp. H. Moore et al.9350

DDR H

a

Category Distribution
in Viti Levu
I Known only from Viti Levu in

various forest types at elevations
from near sea level to 1000 m

Viti Levu (including Namosi:
Nambukavesi Creek) and Vanua Levu
at elevations up to 820 m in dense
forest

Recorded from Rewa Valley

Viti Levu and Taveuni (from sea
level to 600 m)

Viti Levu (including Mt Koromba
and Wainimaki River area), Ngau,
Vanua Levu and Taveuni (230-900 m)
Only known from Viti Levu in dense
forest between 750-900 m (but also
below 600 m) inland from
Namboutini on south coast

Viti Levu (including Navua River
valley), Ovalau, Vanua Levu
Known with certainty only from a
very limited area in Naitasiri
Province, west of the Rewa River
near the tributary with the
Waindina River

Viti Levu (750-1120 m, including
headwaters of Wainimala and
Sigatoka Rivers)

Viti Levu and Kandavu (including
hills east of Navua River)

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Appendix 4

Threatened Species of Animals

Taxon

BIRDS

- Pterodroma macgillivrayi

Falco peregrinus

** Rallus poecilopterus
** Trichocichla rufa

** Erythrura kleinschmidti

REPTILES

+ Eretmochelys imbricata
+ Chelonia mydas

+ Dermochelys coriacea
** Brachylophus fasciatus
*x* Ogmodon vitianus

AMPHIBIANS

xx Platymantis vitianus

INVERTEBRATES

2? Trochus niloticus
Charonia tritonis
Pinctada margaritifera
Hippopus hippopus
Tridacna crocea
Tridacna derasa
Tridacna gigas
Tridacna maxima
Tridacna squamosa
Birgus latro

**x Hypolimnas inopinata

xx Papilio schmeltzii
xx Utetheisa clarae

HOD MV DW VY VY

Note: Numerous other insects could be assigned to threatened categories

Common name

Macgillivray's Petrel
Peregrine Falcon
Bar-wing Rail
Long-legged Warbler
Pink-billed Parrotfinch

Hawksbill Turtle
Green Turtle
Leatherback

Fiji Banded Iguana
Fiji Snake

Fijian Ground Frog

Trochus

Triton's Trumpet
Black-lipped Pearl Oyster
Horse's Hoof Clam

Crocus Clam

Southern Giant Clam

Giant Clam

Small Giant Clam

Scaly Clam, Fluted Clam
Coconut Crab, Robber Crab
Butterfly

Butterfly

Butterfly

** found in south-eastern forests of Viti Levu
+ Occur regularly in Fijian waters around Viti Levu; no recent
evidence of nesting on that island

~~

- Not on Viti Levu

World
Category

ammdacet

HsSomM@mMMm

a
4

te) Sho) ba} fed) htt tal Tela 2

Probably only on uninhabited offshore islands of Viti Levu
Distribution within Fiji unknown
Probably extinct within Fiji

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Se eh a es

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Appendix 5

List of Animals believed Endemic to Fiji

Scientific Name

MAMMALS

Notopteris macdonaldi
Pteralopex acrodonta

BIRDS

Accipiter rufitorques
Rallus poecilopterus
Pterodroma macgillvrayi
Ducula latrans
Ptilinopus layardi
Ptilinopus luteovirens
Ptilinopus victor
Charmosyna amabilis
Prosopeia personata
Prosopeia tabuensis
Phigys solitarius
Gymnomyza viridis
Myzomela jugularis
Kanthotis provocator
Mayrornis lessoni
Mayrornis versicolor
Myiagra azureocapilla
Myiagra vanikorensis
Trichocichla rufa
Vitia ruficapilla
Rhipidura personata
Zosterops explorator
Lamprolia victoriae
Erythrura kleinschmidti

REPTILES

Brachylophys vitiensis
Emoia concolor

Emoia parkeri

Emoia new sp. A

Emoia new sp. B
Lepidodactylus gardeneri

Ogmodon vitianus
also possibly

Candoia new sp.

Common Name

Long-tailed Fruit Bat
Monkey-faced Fruit Bat

Fiji Goshawk

Bar-wing Rail

Fiji Petrel

Paele's Pigeon

Velvet or Whistling Dove
Golden Dove

Orange Dove

Red-throated Lorikeet

Yellow-breasted Musk Parrot

Red-breasted Musk Parrot
Collared Lory
Giant Forest Honey-eater

Orange-breasted Honey-eater

Kadavu Honey-eater
Slaty Flycatcher

Versicolor or Ogea Flycatcher

Blue-crested Broadbill
Vanikoro Broadbill
Long-legged Warbler
Fiji Warbler

Kadavu Fantail

Layard’s White-eye
Silktail

Pink-billed Parrotfinch

Crested Iguana
Green Skink
Skink

Skink

Skink

Rotuma Gecko

Fiji Snake (Bolo)

Found

Levu Levu

* » & &M

+ & %

Endemic Found in
on Viti to Viti south-east

forests

%* * & &

* * 4%

Distribution unknown

*

Distribution unknown
Distribution unknown

x

x

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oe

AMPHIBIANS

Platymantis vitianus Fiji Ground Frog x ?
Platymantis vitiensis Fiji Tree Frog x ?
INVERTEBRATES

With over 3000 species of insects and probably in excess of 500 other
invertebrates on Fiji, they represent an important part of the island biota.
Many are poorly known, but evidence from the Macrolepidoptera (butterflies
and moths) implies that about 50% of these may be endemic. Of Fiji's 400
Macrolepidoptera, approaching 200 are endemic and virtually all of these are
forest species. Endemism among molluscs is also high, particularly at the
generic level and many taxa are forest dwellers.

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Appendix 6

Conservation legislation
Laws that specifically deal with conservation include the following:
(a) National Trust for Fiji Act (Chapter 265) Established the National
Trust for Fiji and gives it responsibility for preservation,
protection and management of the Fijian heritage. It provides for

the permanent preservation of land (including reefs) for the benefit
of the nation; the protection and augmentation of such lands and
their surroundings and to preserve their natural aspect and features;
to protect animal and plant life; and to provide for the access to
and enjoyment by the public of such lands.

(b) Town Planning Act (Chapter 109) - For the preparation of Town
Planning Schemes including the conservation of natural beauties of
the area including lakes, banks of rivers, foreshore or harbours, and
other parts of the sea, hill slopes, summits and valleys.

(c) Native Land Trust Act (Chapter 115) - Gives provision to proclaim
nature reserves over any part of native land.

(d) Land Conservation Act (Chapter 120) - Provisions to appoint Land
Conservation Officers.

(e) Birds and Game Protection Act (Chapter 120) - Prohibits the hunting
of most birds except certain scheduled species and controls the
hunting of game species.

(Ge) Fisheries Act (Chapter 135) with provisions to control fishing
methods.

(g) Mining Act (Chapter 125) with provisions to conduct environmental]
impact assessments and to restore areas

(h) Forestry Act (Chapter 128) with provisions to declare areas of Crown

land as reserved forest and nature reserves and to declare parts of
native land as protected forest

Legislation that has been dratted or proposed and awa:ts enactment nedu
the following:

1) National Parks and Reserves Bill proposed by the Na
opi

A new Town and Country Planning Act

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