 Teraina in October 2006. North is on top. Notice the lake covering the southeast region of the island. The prevailingocean current runs roughly left to right. | |
  Teraina Washington Island  Teraina Washington Island  Teraina Washington Island  Teraina Washington Island | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | NorthPacific Ocean |
| Coordinates | 4°41′00″N160°22′40″W / 4.68333°N 160.37778°W /4.68333; -160.37778 |
| Total islands | 1 |
| Area | 14.2 km2 (5.5 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Island council | Teraina |
| Largest settlement | Tangkore |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 1,893 (2020) |
| Pop. density | 120.6/km2 (312.4/sq mi) |
| Languages | Gilbertese |
| Ethnic groups | I-Kiribati |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
Teraina (written alsoTeeraina,[1] also known asWashington Island – these two names areconstitutional[2]) is a coralatoll in the centralPacific Ocean and part of theNorthern Line Islands which belong toKiribati. Obsolete names of Teraina are New Marquesas, Prospect Island, and New York Island. The island is located approximately 4.71° Northlatitude and 160.76° Westlongitude. Teraina differs from most other atolls in the world in that it has a largefreshwaterlake (Washington Lake), an openlens, concealed within its luxuriantcoconut palm forest; this is the only permanent freshwater lake in the whole of Kiribati.[3]
Measuring about 5.4 by 2.1 kilometres (3.4 by 1.3 miles) NW-SE and SW-NE, it has a land area of about 9.55 square kilometres (3.69 square miles);[3] its circumference is about 15 km (9 mi). The island is generally low-lying, with a maximum elevationASL of about 5 meters (16 feet), while most of the island rises some three metres (10 feet) high;trees in the dense inland forest grow to several times this height however.[1] At the western end of the island is thecapital,Tangkore (or Tengkore). There are (as at the 2020 Census) about 1,893 inhabitants,[1] making it the least-populated of the permanently inhabitedNorthern Line Islands. However,population density (177 per km2)[1] is three times as high as onTabuaeran[1] and vastly more than on the much larger (300-plus km2)Kiritimati with its about 15 people/km2.[4]
There are twodirt roads around the island's perimeter – an outer (Beach Road) and an inner one (Ring Road). Transport inland is done by boat on artificial canals, rather uniquely for aPacific island. A 21 meters (69 feet) navigation light tower and two radio masts stand near Tangkore.[5] What cannot be produced locally is shipped in about twice a year;[5] there is also some minor inter-island traffic by ship or boat. The old landing was at the western tip, but this was dangerous due to being exposed tosurf breaking on the reef flats; it has been more recently replaced by a new and more easily accessible landing south ofTangkore, where the canal system feeds into the ocean.[5] A roughairstrip of some 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) length exists nearKaaitara. It may become temporarily unusable after heavy rains.
Permanent early human occupation of Teraina is disputed. Although there were no occupants on the island at the time of European discovery, a number of human made sites have been identified on the island including dry stacked stone architecture. Additionally,ethnographic data from theCook Islands and theTuamotu Islands points to Polynesian knowledge of the island. Perhaps the most compelling discovery on Teraina is the recovery of an intact voyaging canoe.[6] Although archaeological sites are known to exist on the island, the general lack of fresh water makes long-term human habitation unlikely though more work is needed in establishing the timeline of human use.
Teraina was sighted on 12 June 1798 by theAmericanwhaling captainEdmund Fanning ofBetsy; he named the island forGeorge Washington but did not attempt to land. The first exploration of the island arrived later with captainAdam Johann von Krusenstern, on a Russian expedition (called then New Marquesas).[7] The island was subsequently claimed under theGuano Islands Act of 1856 for the United States under the name "Prospect Island".[8]Guano was never mined or exported to any notable extent, however; thehumid climate prevents the formation of substantial deposits. It was occupied by Captain John English and people fromManihiki in about 1860.
Later William Greig who began planting the island with coconut trees.[9] Eventually the sons of Greig owned the plantation with FatherEmmanuel Rougier until he sold his interest to the Fanning Island Limited, and started a coconut plantation onChristmas Island.[9]
Fanning Island was annexed by the British by Commander Nichols ofHMS Cormorant on May 29, 1889. It became a part of theGilbert and Ellice Islands colony in 1916. The name of the island was changed to Teraina in 1979 when Kiribati gained independence.[1] The major export of Teraina iscopra, the dried meat of thecoconut.
The Burns Philip Copra Company operated plantations on the island after theSecond World War.[1] At various times, contract laborers were brought from Manihiki,Tahiti, and theGilbert Islands to work the coconut plantations.[5] More recently, settlement from Gilbert group has been encouraged during the re-settlement schemes of 1989–1995.[1]
Washington Island Post Office opened on 1 February 1921, closed around 1923, reopened in 1924, closed in 1948 and reopened again around August 1979.[10]
| No. | Village | Population (2010census[1]) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abaiang | 146 |
| 2 | Kauamwemwe | 198 |
| 3 | Uteute | 141 |
| 4 | Kaaitara | 0 |
| 5 | Tangkore | 410 |
| 6 | Matanibike | 91 |
| 7 | Arabata | 353 |
| 8 | Mwakeitari | 177 |
| 9 | Onauea | 174 |
| Teraina | 1690 | |
The population of Teraina lives in nine villages. It is increasing; from 416 in 1978, it had risen to 936 in 1990 and had exceeded 1,000 by 2000. The population of Teraina in the 2010 census was 1,690. Compared to the 2005 population of 1,155 and the 2000 population of 1,087, the population is growing very rapidly. The population of Teraina grew by 535 people between 2005 and 2010, an annual population growth of 7.9%.[1]
All villages are listed in the following table, with the preliminarycensus results of 2005, counterclockwise around the perimeter of the atoll, starting in the northeast with Abaiang and ending in the southeast with Onauea. Tangkore is near the westernmost point of Teraina:
Teraina has an unusual age structure; nearly half the population (44%) is aged under 15 and one in five people (19%) are children under five years. There are more males than females in almost all age groups except the elderly.[1]
As regards its physical characteristics, this is one of the most interesting islands in the Pacific. It is araised coral atoll, but it has not filled up with sand and soil, yet still retains a significant remnant of the formerlagoon. The lake, however, is only just barely perceptiblybrackish, as its only significant source is the plentifulrain. The lake is only a few feet (around 1–2 meters) deep for the most part, though the supposed maximum depth is nearly 10 meters (33 feet). Being only about 520 km (320 mi; 280 nmi) away from theequator, Teeraina is inside theITCZ; its climate is thus extremelyhumid, making it one of the "wet" Pacific islands.[12]
The western inland is made up bypeatbog, which is still flooded after heavy rains,[13] and constitutes infilled former lakebed. It is not clear in what way the western lake or lakes – there are now 2 main areas of bogland, which may correspond to former lake basins – were connected to the remaining waterbody.[13] One bog is immediately adjacent to the lake's western end, the other is halfway between that and the island's northwest tip.Canals have been cut into the bogs, forpunting,rowing andmotor boats transporting people and produce. There is some removal of peat and sediments to stem the lake's ongoing infilling; in addition it seems that in recent times, the lake's level is slowly rising again so that the eastern bog's area has receded somewhat. The peat reaches thicknesses of about 1–1.5 meters (3.3–4.9 ft), much of which is located above sea level.[5]
It is also not precisely known where the last connection of the inland waters to the ocean were, and when they closed. The southeast end is more likely however, as the island is in theEquatorial Counter Current which runs west to east, and driftingcoral and otherreef-builder larvae as well asflotsam would therefore predominantly land at the island's western side.[5] Thus, it is to be expected that land builds up faster there. This also agrees with the eastern location of the remaining lake. In any case, the canal network now opens to the sea south of Tangkore, and there is a direct connection from the lake to the ocean at Teraina's eastern tip.[14]
Ecologically, Teraina is also highly interesting, for several reasons. Firstly, as is readily apparent from its peculiar geographical and geological features, it possesses a combination ofecosystems that is quite unique in the entire world. Secondly, it holds the world's largest population of a rare birdspecies though it is over 2,500 km (1,600 mi; 1,300 nmi) from that bird's original home. Furthermore, it was until fairly recently home to some enigmaticdabbling ducks which are nowextinct. Last, the island'sbiodiversity seems to prove quite conclusively that, probably by about 1200 AD or so, the island was temporarily inhabited by a significant number of humans.
At present, there is no formal protection for the islands' ecosystems or species, but it has been suggested to legally protect key habitat, namely the boglands.[3] Though it is globallyendangered, theRimatara lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) does not appear to be in need of formal protection;[15] it actually benefits from human land use change and theferal cats. The former provides the birds with more habitat, while the cats have so far managed to keep Teraina completely free ofblack rats (Rattus rattus) which due to their tree-climbing habits would seriously jeopardize the species' existence, should they become established in numbers.[15] Given the negative experience e.g. fromRennell Island, maintenance of a vigoroustilapia fishery would seem to be advisable. These fish certainly represent a valuable source of protein on Teraina, and in fact were originally introduced for that purpose.
Over 30 species of flowering plants are known from the island, but most seem to be not originally native.Cocos nucifera, the coconut palm, is the most conspicuous tree on Teraina. It is found planted, but also constitutes one of the dominant forest trees. The palms occur in wet forest around the bogs, mixed withPandanus (screwpine), and an undergrowth dominated by thefernsAsplenium pacificum andPhymatosorus scolopendria. In more elevated places near the beach,Pisonia (catchbird tree) atoll forest is found, though Teraina has not that much of this ubiquitous Pacific ecosystem for its size.[3]
The most conspicuous plants of the boglands are thearumCyrtosperma merkusii and the giant bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus).[3]
Among the local crops,sugar-apple (Annona squamosa),breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis),papaya (Carica papaya),bananas (Musacultivars, includingFe'i bananas[16]) andapple guava (Psidium guajava) are the most significant, apart from the coconuts.Frangipani (Plumeria) andhibiscus are popular asornamental plants.[5]
Though numerousseabirds nest on Teraina, for many such species the limited habitat makes it a less important rookery than other, similar-sized raised atolls. About 10 species of seabirds breed here, most significantly tree-nesters like thelittle white tern (Gygis microrhyncha) and thered-footed booby (Sula sula).[3] Theeastern reef egret (Egretta sacra), widespread throughout the region, can also be found on Teraina.
Amongmigratory birds, theruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres),sanderling (Calidris alba),bristle-thighed curlew (Numenius tahitiensis),Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), andgrey-tailed (Tringa brevipes) andwandering tattlers (T. incana) use Teraina as stopover location or winter quarters on a regular basis. Othershorebirds,gulls, and occasionallyducks ofNorth American andEast Asian species may occur as vagrants.
In historic times, twospecies of landbirds and onesubspecies of duck have been recorded. The latter,Coues's gadwall (Anas strepera couesi), was the only distinct subspecies of the widespreadgadwall.[13] It is surrounded by considerable mystery, mainly as regards the origin of the population, the age and therefore validity of the subspecies (it is sometimes disputed to be significantly distinct), and the causes and date of its disappearance. Only two specimens are known – a couple that is not fully mature, and therefore only limited information can be gleaned from it. What is certain is that there was a duck population of some size in the mid-1870s,[13] while in 1900 all were gone.
Thebokikokiko (Acrocephalus aequinoctialis) is Kiribati'sendemicreed-warbler. This small greyishpasserine is well-known, due to its bold and inquisitive habits, and its song, a series of alternating higher and lower squeaks after which it is named.
TheRimitara lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) is present with about 1,000 birds. It is a tinyparrot with brilliant plumage and an endearing and highly social behavior, owing to which they were known to late 19th century settlers as "love-birds".[13] This species was originally native to theAustral andCook Islands in SE Polynesia, a long distance to the south. They were treasured by the natives of theSociety Islands and were an item of high value in inter-island trade; these birds were kept as pets, and in addition their feathers were used in crafts and art.[17] In any case, there is considerable evidence fromAncient Hawaiʻi thatPolynesian seafarers travelled between southeastern Polynesia andHawaiʻi with some regularity, perhaps as early as 400 AD, but certainly by about 1200 AD. Since it is almost inconceivable – given the prevailing winds, ocean currents, known trade routes, and the difficulty with which these birds can be kept alive during voyages[13] – thatVini kuhlii was transported from the Austral or Cook Islands to theGilbert Islands and from there to Teraina, the presence of the birds there is best explained by them having been introduced by SE Polynesian travelers. Today, the species isextinct on many islands on which it formerly occurred, while the Teraina population, considered crucially important for its survival, contains some 60% of the remaining global wild population.[15] Ironically, the reason for the Rimitara lorikeet thriving on Teraina is the replacement of native forest with coconut plantations; these birds feed mainly on thenectar of coconut palm flowers and nest in old coconut shells or husks.[15]
As it thus seems clear that there was prehistoric human activity of some degree on Teraina, it is also likely that birds became extinct consequently, like on all such Outer Pacific islands for which research has been conducted.David Steadman in his comprehensive review lists several such hypotheticaltaxa for Kiribati as a whole. For Teraina specifically, considering the habitat and what birds still exist, one or morerails (Gallirallus and/orPorzana[18]), an imperial-pigeon (Ducula),[19] and maybe aTodiramphuskingfisher[20] or anAplonisstarling[21] make the most likely candidates for birds gone extinct prehistorically. It must be considered, however, that given the lack of fieldwork it is not quite clear what effect changingsea levels would have had on Teraina. If the sea level were only half a meter (c. 2 ft) higher it is certainly possible that the forest and freshwater lake would be replaced by shrubland or dunes and a brackish lagoon. That notwithstanding, it is well possible that aPolynesian sandpiper related to or identical with theChristmas sandpiper fromKiritimati once lived on Teraina.[22]
As with most outer Pacific islands, there are no native landmammals.
Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans) are present on Teraina,[15] apparently since prehistoric times. They may have arrived with flotsam after storms further west, or accidentally or deliberately (as food) been introduced by prehistoric seafarers. Their present-day impact on the bird population is minor, but ifrails were once present on Teraina, the rats had probably some role in these birds' disappearance, and maybe in that of any other birds gone extinct in prehistoric times too. If a Polynesian sandpiper once bred on Teraina, it is almost certainly those rats that are responsible for these birds' disappearance; only a singletaxon ofProsobonia remains today, precariously holding its own on atolls that are devoid of any rat species.
Feraldogs,cats andpigs occur in varying numbers on Teraina; the cats especially are responsible for some decline in the number of ground-nesting seabirds.[3] On the other hand, as noted above, the cats have thus far kept the rat population at bay.
Lacustrine species reported from Teraina includefish. and some unspecified "shrimp",[13] i.e. (in all probability) a member of theCrustacea. Teraina's freshwater fish include the marbled eel (Anguilla marmorata), aCaranx freshwatertrevally, andOreochromis tilapias and the milkfish (Chanos chanos). The latter two, and perhaps also the trevally, were introduced in recent times. The eels were already established by 1877;[13] like manyAnguillidae they arecatadromous and able to migrate some distance on dry land. Thus it may be presumed that the lake is continuously being restocked from the Pacific, though apparently no actual field data exists on the habits of the eels of Teraina.
As on manyIndopacific islands rich in coconut (Cocos nucifera) trees, the coconut crab (Birgus latro) is often encountered on Teraina.[13]
A few green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nest on the beaches. It is not a very important nesting site however and theclutches have a rather low probability of success, as Teraina is one of the Kiribati islands where turtle egg collecting is permitted.[3]
| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
