The Western Pacific Islands of Belau (Republic of Palau)
Belau is a group of about 586 islands in the western Pacific comprising 16 states within an independent republic: the Republic of Palau. It is considered part of the Caroline Islands, which is part of a vast expanse of ocean and thousands of tiny islands collectively known as Micronesia. The Republic of Palau has been home to Belauans for a very long time, but more recently has had a complex colonization history. The Republic of Palau gained its independence in 1994, but prior to this Belau made international news for a variety of reasons, including the achievement of the world's first nuclear-free constitution in 1981. In the past decade, the Republic of Palau has made groundbreaking decisions regarding the protection of sharks and coastal habitats, both of which are vital for the future of this beautiful and important island nation.
We are privileged to be able to conduct our research in Belau, which has the largest tract of "pristine" lowland rainforest in Micronesia. Our aim is to not only promote the immense (and indeed, priceless) value of Belau's biological diversity, but also to support Belau's own scientific, educational, and conservation efforts. To this end, we work closely with the states of Belau, local citizens, and non-profit groups such as the Palau Conservation Society (PCS). If you are inspired to support conservation and education in this remote and spectacular part of the world, please consider visiting or making a donation to the Palau Conservation Society. Your dollars will go far and will be used locally for critical programs.
We are privileged to be able to conduct our research in Belau, which has the largest tract of "pristine" lowland rainforest in Micronesia. Our aim is to not only promote the immense (and indeed, priceless) value of Belau's biological diversity, but also to support Belau's own scientific, educational, and conservation efforts. To this end, we work closely with the states of Belau, local citizens, and non-profit groups such as the Palau Conservation Society (PCS). If you are inspired to support conservation and education in this remote and spectacular part of the world, please consider visiting or making a donation to the Palau Conservation Society. Your dollars will go far and will be used locally for critical programs.
Many of the Rock Islands are steep with sheer cliffs inaccessible to humans. Rock Islands also have distinct bioerosive notches that add to the difficulty of field work in these areas. Photo: R. Rundell
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Jesse Czekanski-Moir scrambling up the limestone karst after jumping from the edge of our boat. Photo: R. Rundell
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Some Belau islands have sandy beaches. Sea birds depend on many of the islands for nesting and resting. Photo: R. Rundell
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An example of the limestone karst forest in the Rock Islands. The volcanic-soil forest north of the Rock Islands has a different community of plants and animals. Photo: R. Rundell
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There are many plant species unique to Belau, including this pandanus. Photo: R. Rundell
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Belau has maintained much of its mangrove forest. These mangroves are vital for filtration of runoff from the land and help protect the coral reefs on which the country depends. Photo: R. Rundell
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The bioerosive notches are often deeper and steeper than they look. Photo: R. Rundell
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Island near the main human population center of Palau. Photo: R. Rundell
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Field Assistants Rachael Orben and Samantha Wilkinson find shelter from the rain under a bioerosive notch. Photo: R. Rundell
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Don't forget that Belau is in the rainforest! It rains A LOT in Belau. But it feels warm underwater. Here we are in a jellyfish lake after doing field work on the island. Photo: D. Mulroney
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Sea turtles feel at home in Belau. This one is resting with some remoras near Blue Corner, a famous dive site. Photo: D. Mulroney
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Belau is a diving paradise. But the health of the reef depends on the health of the forest. Here is field assistant Ann Marie Gawel with an important Belau fish: the maml, or Napoleon wrasse. Photo: D. Mulroney
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Erosion has been an important force in Belau. Photo: R. Rundell
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