New Caledonia Rivers & Streams - A Global Ecoregion
Over 70 species of freshwater fishes
Snapshot: Ecoregion 166
Size:
15,000 sq. km (6,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Small Rivers
Geographic Location:
South Pacific Ocean: New Caledonia (France)
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Did You Know!
The mineral-rich soils of New Caledonia help many unusual plants to grow. An estimated 80 percent of plant species on New Caledonia are endemic!
About the Area
New Caledonia's main island is covered with rivers and streams (many of which originate from the island's mountain chain) that are home to many unusual and endemic fish, crustaceans, snails, invertebrates, and plant species.
Local SpeciesTen species of freshwater shrimp, at least four species of rare freshwater sponges, over 70 species of freshwater fishes, and at least 50 species of hydroid snails have successfully invaded these island waters.
Five species of migratory eel occur in this ecoregion: Anguilla mozambica, A. marmorata, A. megastoma, A. obscure, and A. reinhardtii. The freshwater Snake-eel (Lamnostoma kampeni) is also an unusual inhabitant of these waters.
Also found here are a wide array of mollusks, including four genera of freshwater spring snails (Kanakyella, Pidaconomus, Caledoconcha, and Leiorhagium) that have recently been described.
Threats
Threats include mining, agriculture, grazing, logging, bush fires and associated water pollution.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
