Ecosystem of Henderson Island
The only forested atoll with an intact ecosystem in the world. Endemic species – 9 species of plants and all 4 species of land birds. Numerous invertebrates are endemic, although they are poorly researched. Island is not walkable – it is covered with thicket and rugged limestone peaks.
Le Noir Pre orchid meadow
Unique orchid meadow with one of the largest populations of Jersey orchid (Anacamptis laxiflora) and three more species of orchids. Flowering in May and June.
The Dales of Christmas Island
Seven deep valleys formed by spring streams, closer to the sea turning into deep ravines cut in limestone. Above, at the discharge of springs they have flooded the forest dominated by enormous Tahitian chestnuts (Inocarpus fagifer). These pools in the forest form the largest freshwater basin on the island. Endemic plants.
Hosnies Spring mangroves
120,000 years old grove of mangroves some 24 – 37 m above the sea level. Mangrove ecosystems traditionally grow in shallow seawater – but here, as the sea level decreased, mangroves were fed by springs. This is unique case in the world. This 3,300 m² large area (core part, 202 ha in size) contains the oldest trees of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza and Bruguiera sexangula – 30 – 40 m tall, with trunk diameter up to 80 cm. There are mangroves of other species growing well above the sea level elsewhere on the island.
Christmas Island crab forest
The forest of Christmas Island is unique in the world due to dominant species – some 50 – 100 million red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis) – clearing the forest floor of leaves and other organic matter. These crabs are endemic to Christmas Island. Once per year they migrate to the sea to lay their eggs, on the way blocking the roads and paths.
Norfolk Island subtropical rainforest
The last remnant (5 km²) of the unique Norfolk Island rainforest, protected by a national park. Here grow many unique endemic plants including the tallest tree fern of the world (Cyathea brownii, up to 20 m tall), Norfolk island palm (Rhopalostylis baueri), endemic orchid, and last natural stands of Norfolk pine (Araucaria heterophylla). Here lives also endemic Norfolk Parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii), Norfolk Gerygone (Gerygone modesta), slender-billed White-eye (Zosterops tenuirostris), endemic land snails and others – in total some 50 endemic species of animals and plants.
Inga Falls
These are some of the largest and most impressive rapids in the world, on the Congo, one of the largest rivers of the world. They drop 96 meters over the course of 15 kilometers and form a part of Livingstone Falls (Chutes de Livingstone) consisting of 32 rapids over the distance of 340 km, with a total drop of 260 m.
Yungay – the driest place in the world
The driest place in the world without any signs of life. Only a few specific microorganisms – extremophiles – are present here. Some areas are rich with nitrates – easily soluble minerals that in other circumstances are consumed by organisms. Here rich nitrate deposits have been formed from atmospheric nitrogen, possibly by lightning.
Poas Volcano and Laguna Caliente
Very active and unusual volcano with Laguna Caliente – lake of extreme acidity reaching up to 0.0 of pH. Frequent phreatic eruptions may eject this acid up to 1 kilometer high. Around the volcano, all the vegetation is stunted brown and black by the extremely acid clouds coming from this lake.
Voltzberg
Granite dome, one of the most easternmost inselbergs of Guayana Shield. Rises 150 m above the surroundings, comparatively easy to climb, although a climb in this enormous cliff still is dangerous. Summit covered with the sparse “muri-muri” vegetation, slopes are bare.
