New Caledonia110

New Caledonia is a group of islands in the South Pacific, about 1200 km east of Australia, on the southern fringe of Melanesia. It is the world's smallest biodiversity hotspot, with exceptional levels of endemism amongst plants (74% - more than 2400 species) and animals (more than 20 endemic birds and more than 60 endemic reptiles). Until recently New Caledonia was a French Overseas Territory, but is now in the process of moving towards a measure of political autonomy.

Highlights of New Caledonia's fauna and flora are 13 endemic species of Araucaria trees and the kagu, an endangered flightless bird which is the only remaining member of its family. New Caledonia possesses the world's largest deposits of nickel, and open-cast nickel mining has posed one of the gravest threats to the islands' unique environment, while introduced pigs, cats, dogs, deer and rats, which are now widespread on the main island Grande Terre, are also a major problem. WWF, BirdLife International and Conservation International are all involved in conservation projects with local partners in New Caledonia.