FAUNA
Fauna - On land
 There
are no “nasties”, no dangerous animals, in Vanuatu.
Once the vegetation had taken root, then came the
animals. Some came by way of the sea and travelled at
great risk - only a few managed to survive and flourish
in Vanuatu.
It started with the smaller creatures, insects, worms,
lizards, followed by snakes, bats and birds. Other
animals were introduced by man, eg. pigs, chickens, cows,
horses, etc.
There is a very rich and varied avifauna in Vanuatu.
Over 121 species of birds have been identified, a dozen
or so of which are endemic species. Some, namely the
fruit bat or “flying fox” and the wood pigeon or “nawimba”,
are used to make very tasty dishes which you can enjoy
in various local restaurants.
Harmless reptiles
The country also has a fair share of butterflies, some
of which are known as “good news” butterflies. May you
meet some on your walks around the countryside. The
reptiles are perfectly harmless. The most commonly seen
are the gecko, the green lizard and the Pacific boa. A
few crocodiles have been found in the vicinity of the
Banks Islands, but they are not able to reproduce very
easily, possibly because the rivers are not very large.
Finally, there is one other creature you might enjoy as
much as the flying fox and that is the coconut crab. Its
flesh is delicately flavoured and it is well worth
trying (most restaurants have it on the menu).
Marine fauna
 Vanuatu is already a name in the Pacific
for the beauty and variety of its undersea world. Diving
or snorkelling, you will discover some breathtaking
sights. There are several diving schools which would be
only too happy to show you around Vanuatu's fabulous
reefs.
For those keen on game-fishing, there is no shortage of
choice, yellow-fin tuna, baracuda, sword-fish, marlin,
shark... either by casting a line or trolling.
But whatever you do, please tread with care around the
coral reefs : damaged corals can endanger the fish that
feed on them (poisonous).
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