|
|
New Caledonia has a distinctive island environment. The rivers and streams here contain many unusual native species. About 200 million years ago, half the land on Earth was part of the supercontinent, Gondwanaland. When it began to split apart, many separate continents were created, as well as smaller islands like those of New Caledonia. Today, the New Caledonia's main island is covered with rivers and streams that are home to many unusual species.
Rocky mountains cross the middle of New Caledonia from north to south. The mountainsides are covered in red soil that originated from rich mineral deposits deep underground. At about 5,300 feet (1,600 m), Mount Panié is the highest peak on the island. Some smaller rock formations extend into the sea to create small islands. New Caledonia's central mountain chain is the source of numerous rivers and streams that flow down past steep hills and cross plains as they head toward the sea. The rivers and streams of New Caledonia contain many endemic species of fish, snails, crustaceans, and plants. More than 50 freshwater fish in 26 families are estimated to live on the island, many of which come from primarily marine families but have evolved to live in freshwater. Examples include several gobies, snappers, and mullets. Five species of eel, including Anguilla marmorata, A. megastoma, A. mossambica, A. obscure, and A. reinhardtii, frequent the rivers and streams of New Caledonia. Ten species of freshwater shrimp are known to live on the island, as are a group of rare freshwater sponges (with at least four species).
Large areas of New Caledonia are mined for nickel, iron, copper, gold, and other minerals. Threats also include logging, bush fires, and water pollution.
|
