The verterbrates of Rotuma and surrounding waters

Abstract

The vertebrate fauna of Rotuma consists of over 425 fish species, no amphibians, 11 terrestrial reptiles, 15 land birds and two native mammals. The zoogeographic affinity of the Rotuman fish fauna is with the Pacific plate fauna; in contrast, the affinity of the reptile fauna is with the Fijian fauna. A species list of Rotuman occurrence is provided for each of the four vertebrate groups as well as brief descriptions of the marine and terrestrial habitats.