Why is New Caledonia so diverse?

Why is New Caledonia so diverse?

The high diversity of New Caledonia has traditionally been seen as a result of its Gondwanan origin, old age and long isolation under stable climatic conditions (the museum model). Under this scenario, we would expect species diversification to follow a constant rate model.

Is New Caledonia a rich or poor country?

Besides having one of the region’s highest average incomes per capita, New Caledonia is rich in resources and accounts for around 10% of the world’s nickel reserve, according to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

How many islands does New Caledonia have?

In the Bay of Nouméa alone there are some 55 landmasses, while the Isle of Pines, the Loyalty Islands and the Belêp archipelago, form the southern, eastern and northern extremes of New Caledonian territory respectively.

Are there forests in New Caledonia?

Flora. The New Caledonia rain forests are made up of three predominant forest types. The lowland rain forests cover the Loyalty Islands, and the Iles des Pines and the lower elevations of Grand Terre. Montane forests cover the higher elevations of Grand Terre.

Is there bamboo in New Caledonia?

The bamboo genus Greslania is endemic to New Caledonia and comprises three or four species. They are found only in the southern part of the island where the soil contains heavy metals such as iron. Several genera, belonging to primitive families, are endemic or sub-endemic.

Is New Caledonia a poor country?

The islands of New Caledonia lie 900 miles to the east of Australia in the southwest Pacific ocean and are a French territory. Most of New Caledonia’s statistics show its success in providing a strong quality of life for its people; however, its poverty rate is 17 percent, which is high for a developed state.

Is New Caledonia a territory?

New Caledonia was made a French Overseas Territory in 1946.

What trees are in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia is a global hotspot of ancient forms of trees (44 gymnosperms, conifer-type trees), including Agathis, Acmopyle, Dacrycarpus, Dacrydium, Podocarpus, Metrosideros, and Aracauria.

Is there a rainforest in St Croix?

The island’s western district contains a dense, 15-acre forest, called the “Rain Forest” (though it’s not technically a rainforest). The area is thick with mahogany trees, kapok (silk-cotton) trees, turpentine (red-birch) trees, samaan (rain) trees, and all kinds of ferns and vines.

Can an Australian live in New Caledonia?

New Caledonia tourist visa is not required for citizens of Australia for a stay up to 30 days.

What are the names of the islands in New Caledonia?

The archipelago, part of the Melanesia subregion, includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Chesterfield Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets. The Chesterfield Islands are in the Coral Sea.

What was the population of New Caledonia in 2014?

At the last census in 2014, New Caledonia had a population of 268,767. Of these, 17,436 live in the Loyalty Islands Province, 45,137 in the North Province, and 183,007 in the South Province.

How many people live in Noumea New Caledonia?

A city home to around 100,000 inhabitants, Nouméa offers a number of activities that will inspire you with their diversity.

Where to see the Natural Beauty in New Caledonia?

From the Blue Hole of Hanawa on Ouvéa and Warrior’s Leap on Maré to the Jokin Cliffs on Lifour and the Isle of Pines’ Oro Bay, New Caledonia’s islands and their incredible natural beauty are nothing short of captivating.