Coastal Vegetation of Taunovo Bay, Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu, Fiji - A Proposed Development Site

Abstract

Using four 100 × 10 m transects, the coastal vegetation types and their horizontal stratification at Taunovo Bay, Pacific Harbour, were investigated. The common stratification pattern of herb zone, shrub zone (dominated by the invasive species Chrysobalanus icaco) and tree zone was observed. Littoral forest composed of species commonly associated with sandy beaches and species commonly associated lowland rainforest was observed. This vegetation type is here reported for the first time from Fiji and is probably caused by siliceous deposits from a nearby river. A detailed study of the extend, composition and distribution of this unique vegetation type should be conducted before the development project (planned at the study site) is approved.