Fiji is comprised of more than 300 islands, most of them are

volcanic and about 100 islands are actually inhabited. The two main
islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu make up more than 80% of the total
area of Fiji.
Since Fiji is very secluded and independent, most of the species
that inhabit the islands of Fiji are unique to this country, and this
country only. For example, Fifty per cent or more of Fijis plants and
birds, all 24 palms, 72 of the 76 species of Psychotria, both frogs, over
90% of some insect groups, such as cicadas and marine insects, are all
endemic (Fiji-Country Profile). This is just some of Fijis incredible
biodiversity. About half of the land area of Fiji is covered in beautiful
forestation. This incredible biodiversity is what makes Fiji a travel
destination for most, therefore, Land and marine natural resources are
at the heart of the Fijian Economy, with tourism revenues exceeding
165% Million US$ per year (Fiji). Most of Fijis revenue comes from
tourism. With the islands increasing popularity, more and more people
are adding, visit Fiji to their bucket list. Their beautiful beaches,
waterfalls, animals, plants and culture attract many diverse people and
the Fijians do not mind at all. They welcome all newcomers.
With growing population and higher need for natural resources,
some of Fijis biodiversity has been put at risk. Fiji is known for their
timber production and in order to keep exporting it, the beautiful
forests of Fiji are being cut down. According to the Convention of

Biological Diversity website, 25% of bird species, 11.7% of

mammals, 67% of amphibians, and 11% of reptiles and plants are
already threatened or endangered (Fiji-Country Profile). Decreasing
biodiversity does not pick and choose, so Marine biodiversity is also
declining with 67% of known mammal species threatened or
endangered (Fiji-Country Profile). There are many organizations
that have come together to stop the decline of biodiversity since the
Fijians rely so much on their natural resources in order to meet their
daily needs such as food, income, shelter, and clothing.
Everything in the world is connected, no matter how much we try
to deny it. This even includes the well being of ecosystems. Based on
research done by the Wildlife Conservation Society, it turns out that
whats best for land ecosystems is also best for coastal corals
(Saving Fijis Coral Reefs Linked to Forest Conservation upstream).
Usually when trying to protect a certain ecosystem, only that one
ecosystem is focused on, but Fiji is blazing the trail with finding
connections between the well being of multiple ecosystems. Plant life
is on a steady decrease since Soil erosion is a problem, [but is]
currently being addressed by provisions in the Sustainable
Development Bill and the Land Conservation and Improvement Act
(Fiji Biodiversity). Rats are a problem in almost every country, but in
Fiji, they introduced the mongoose in order to control the rat
population. As a result, the mongoose has Led to the extinction of

seven species of native birds. It has also devastated populations of

native snakes (Fiji Biodiversity).
As seen, there are many attempts to try and preserve the
wonderful biodiversity of Fiji. With all of the organizations being
created, hopefully we will be able to see a decrease in the number of
endangered animals and other species unique to the islands of Fiji.
These endemic species are what makes Fiji such a desirable
destination for travel and should be kept alive.

Crested Iguana
that is only
found in Fiji.

Picture of one
of the many
forests in Fiji.

Sources:

Fiji. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from

http://www.biodiversityfinance.net/countries/fiji
Fiji Biodiversity. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/sustain/h90/Fiji.htm
Fiji - Country Profile. (n.d.). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/default.shtml?country=fj
Saving Fiji's Coral Reefs Linked to Forest Conservation Upstream.
(2013, December 7). Retrieved April 9, 2015, from
http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/saving-fijis-coral.aspx