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https://theconversation.com/meet-5-marvellous-mammals-of-the-south-pacific-youve-probably-never-heard-of-209038>
"Islands are renowned for their weird and wonderful wildlife. These isolated
ecosystems present unparalleled opportunities to study evolution, and the
archipelagos of the southwest Pacific are no exception.
This vast and diverse region encompasses 24 nations and territories. It also
includes four “biodiversity hotspots”: the East Melanesian Islands,
Polynesia-Micronesia, New Caledonia and New Zealand. Each contains at least
1,500 plant species found nowhere else on Earth. So their total land area may
be small, but south-west Pacific islands punch well above their weight in terms
of their contributions to global biodiversity.
Our latest book provides glimpses of more than 180 native mammals of the
southwest Pacific, on islands that fall under the banners of Polynesia,
Micronesia and Melanesia (but excluding the island of New Guinea). Indigenous
species of marsupials, bats, rodents and a monotreme are among the animals
found here. Not surprisingly, half of these are endemic. Many are found only on
a single island or small group of islands.
Let’s meet five charismatic species you’ve probably never have heard of, but
simply must get to know."
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
