Animals in Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a lush, tropical island found in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Vanuatu is known for its rich, tropical rain forest habitats as well as its densely populated coral reefs and sea life communities.

There is a wide range of avifauna populations on the island with over 121 known species of birds and bats. The birds that are specifically unique to Vanuatu include the Tanna Fruit-dove, the Vanuatu Honeyeater, the Royal Parrotfinch, the Santo Mountain Starling, just to name a few. The mammal population on Vanuatu is actually mostly comprised of bat communities, and the locally famous fruit bat known as the Vanuatu Flying Fox can only be found nowhere else in the world!

There are many species and genera of insects and bugs on the island of Vanuatu. You will not have to look far to find millipedes, katydids, unique cricket species, and more. Vanuatu is especially known for its spectacular butterfly population which flutters freely over the island.

Vanuatu is home to a variety of reptilian species. Generally the reptiles found on the island are nonpoisonous and perfectly harmless. Commonly seen reptiles include the green lizard and the Pacific boa snake. The regularly seen Vanuatu Scaly-toed Gecko is also a favorite and is a reptile only found on Vanuatu. Several skink species are also unique to the area including the Black-bordered Emo Skink and Medway's Emo Skink.

Known for its amazing sea life and coral reefs, Vanuatu has a rich variety of ocean fish and animals. Familiar fish life include large populations of yellow-fin tuna, sword-fish, marlins and sharks, and baracuda. There are also sea mammals like dolphins and dugongs. As an isolated ecosystem, Vanuatu is home to many sea creatures found only in its local area including a unique species of starfish and several crab types, one that has been known to climb mangrove trees!

As a tropical island, Vanuatu has the best of both land and sea worlds. Its rain forest areas are lush with tree, ferns, wild orchids, and vines. Its sea boast clear blue waters and wonderful coral reefs. It's no surprise that there are many animals who call Vanuatu home.