- Niau
-
Coordinates: 16°09.25′S 146°21.34′W / 16.15417°S 146.35567°W
NASA picture of Niau Atoll.
Niau is a small atoll in French Polynesia, in the commune of Fakarava (Tuamotu archipelago). This atoll has broad fringing reef and an area of 20 km².
Niau's lagoon is swampy, hypersaline and entirely enclosed. The narrow strip of land surrounding the lagoon is covered by marsh vegetation. The lagoon area is 33 km² and it has an unusual green color.
The only human settlement on Niau is Tupana, population 136 (as of 2002).
Contents
History
The first recorded European to visit Niau was Russian explorer Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen in 1820 on ships Vostok and Mirni. He named this island "Greig".
Administration
Niau is administratively part of the commune of Fakarava, which consists of the island Fakarava, as well as the atolls of Aratika, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro and Toau.
Ecology
On Niau there is a remainder of the original Tuamotu tropical moist forest. This type of forest has disappeared in practically all other atolls.
The small-sized Tuamotu Kingfisher Todiramphus gambieri lives now exclusively in the Island of Niau. This critically endangered bird disappeared from the Gambier Islands long ago.
Niau airport
There is an airfield, Niau Airport, on the northern tip of the atoll (ICAO: NTKN).
References
External links
- Atoll list (French)
Categories:- Atolls of the Tuamotus
- French Polynesia geography stubs
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
