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Tahiti, the Eden with eternal summer
French Polynesia enjoys a mild and temperate climate all year long. Such privileged situation provides an environment where generous and luxuriant vegetation can grow. Up until today, the Polynesians maintain traditions that make them thrill and deeply feel their land. That welcoming land which, in the past, sheltered an abundant avian fauna flooding the island with birds’ songs.
The primary terrestrial fauna, that was unspoilt by then, only consisted in a few insects and two varieties of “mo’o” lizards, the Geckos and the Skinks. They are the only current terrestrial reptiles that play their role in that biosphere as insect predators or preys for some birds. The avian fauna was particularly rich. Unfortunately, many species have disappeared.
Indeed the Europeans voluntarily or accidentally introduced predators and diseases that decimated a part of the natural heritage. Despite this, Polynesia has kept a high level of endemism compared with the situation worldwide, which associations like Manu try to preserve. In spite of the havoc wreaked in its environment and biodiversity, the country has nevertheless kept some of its Edenic exuberance. But how long can it hold out under the pressure of concrete and metal that invade and blight it every day more and more.
Therefore, that land with a tradition of generosity has kept welcoming dozens of foreign plant and animal species. While some animals or plants are pests, others have harmoniously blended into the environment and are admired both by the local communities and by visitors, when in front of a lush and blossoming scenery. Therefore do not be surprised if you come across a vini (Chestnut-breasted Mannikin), an introduced species, that has made its nest in a lemon tree, because of the thorns that protect it from predators. That protective tree indeed is omnipresent in the life of Polynesians, in gastronomy and traditional pharmacopoeia. All the local flora is a priceless source for traditional herbalists or tahu’a ra’au. This has also made it possible for the Polynesian or ma’ohi people to be characterised by remarkable robustness, good health, radiant complexion and almost legendary beauty.
©Jean Kape
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| Unit price: 490 FCFP (4,11 €) |
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