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Solomon Islands

All articles tagged with #solomon islands

environment1 year ago

34-Meter Sea Giant Predating Napoleon Discovered Alive

Scientists have discovered a massive 34-meter-wide coral colony off the Solomon Islands, believed to be the largest living organism on Earth, dating back to the time of Napoleon. This Pavona clavus coral, over 300 years old, showcases remarkable resilience amidst environmental changes, offering hope for coral conservation amid climate change challenges. The discovery, made during a National Geographic expedition, highlights the unexplored wonders of the ocean and has spurred local conservation efforts to protect the area.

environment1 year ago

Massive Coral Reef Discovered, Visible from Space

The world's largest coral, a 300-year-old Pavona clavus, has been discovered near the Solomon Islands and is visible from space. This "mega coral" measures 105 by 111 feet and provides essential habitat for marine species. Despite its size and remote location, it remains vulnerable to climate change and human threats. The discovery coincides with the UN climate summit, highlighting the urgency of ocean conservation amid a global coral bleaching event.

environment1 year ago

World's Largest Coral Colony Discovered in Solomon Islands

The world's largest known coral, a Pavona clavus, has been discovered in the Solomon Islands' coral triangle, measuring 183 meters in circumference and visible from space. This standalone coral, aged between 300 and 500 years, supports diverse marine life and highlights the ecological importance of the region. Despite its remote location, the coral faces threats from global warming and human activities, underscoring the need for conservation efforts. The discovery is significant for both scientific understanding and the cultural identity of the Solomon Islands' communities.

environment1 year ago

Gigantic Coral Discovered Near Solomon Islands Visible from Space

Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral near the Solomon Islands, measuring 32 meters long and 34 meters wide, and believed to be 300 years old. This "mega coral" is a standalone organism, providing essential habitat for marine life. Despite its size and vibrant colors, it faces threats from climate change, highlighting the urgency of global conservation efforts. The discovery coincides with the UN climate summit, emphasizing the need to protect such vital ecosystems.

environment1 year ago

World's Largest Coral Discovered, Visible from Space

Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral in the southwest Pacific Ocean, visible from space and estimated to be over 300 years old. This massive coral, found during a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, is three times larger than the previous record-holder and provides a habitat for diverse marine life. While the discovery offers hope for coral resilience, it also highlights the threats posed by climate change and human activities. The finding coincides with global climate discussions at COP29, emphasizing the need for increased efforts to combat carbon emissions.

environment1 year ago

Massive 300-Year-Old Coral Discovered in Pacific, Visible from Space

Scientists have discovered the world's largest coral in the Pacific Ocean near the Solomon Islands, measuring 34 meters wide and potentially over 300 years old. Found by a National Geographic team, this coral is in good health despite global warming threats, likely due to its deeper location. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, especially for small island nations like the Solomon Islands, which rely heavily on marine resources. The find coincides with COP29 climate talks, emphasizing the need for increased financial support to combat climate change impacts.

politics1 year ago

"Solomon Islands Election: Impact on China's Influence and Leadership Decision"

Solomon Islands' upcoming elections could impact China's influence in the South Pacific as current Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare seeks a second consecutive term, with concerns about China backing pro-Beijing candidates. The electoral process is marred by underhand tactics like vote buying, and the 50 newly elected lawmakers will decide the prime minister. Sogavare's rule has seen a shift from Taiwan to Beijing, a leaked security pact with China, and allegations of China providing funds to support his government.

wildlife-conservation2 years ago

Elusive Giant Rat Caught on Camera for the First Time

The ultra-rare Vangunu giant rat, also known as Uromys vika, has been captured on camera for the first time. This critically endangered species, which can grow to the size of a baby and crack coconuts with its teeth, is only found on Vangunu Island in the Solomon Islands. Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Solomon Islands National University were able to capture images of the rodent with the help of the local Indigenous population. The discovery of this new rodent species highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts, as its habitat is threatened by logging.

science2 years ago

First-ever Photograph of Rare Giant Rat, Capable of Chewing Through Coconuts, Captured

The ultra-rare Uromys vika, a giant rat twice the size of a common rat and known for chewing through coconuts, has been caught on camera for the first time. Found only on the island of Vangunu in the Solomon Islands, the species was first identified in 2017 and is considered critically endangered. The recent images captured by trap cameras show four different animals, with one male and the rest female. The discovery is significant as the Vangunu giant rat's habitat is rapidly declining due to logging, and if logging proceeds, it could lead to the species' extinction.

environment2 years ago

First-ever Photographs of Rare Giant Coconut-Cracking Rat in Solomon Islands

Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Solomon Islands National University, with the help of the local community, have captured the first-ever photos of the critically endangered Vangunu giant rat, also known as Uromys vika. The rat, which is at least twice the size of a common rat and can chew through coconuts, is one of the world's rarest rodents and is only found on the island of Vangunu in the Solomon Islands. The discovery is significant for conservation efforts and the local ecosystem, as logging has threatened the rat's habitat and the island's environment.

wildlife-conservation2 years ago

Rare Sighting: Enormous Rat Cracks Coconuts in Solomon Islands

The elusive Vangunu giant rat, one of the world's rarest rodents, has been photographed for the first time in the Solomon Islands. The species, described in 2017, was captured on camera traps set up in the Zaira Conservation Resource Management Area. The images show four specimens, including three females and one male, with their distinctive large size, long tails, and short ears. Logging activities have critically endangered the species, making the new photos a promising development for its conservation.

wildlife-conservation2 years ago

Rare Sighting: Enormous Rat Cracks Coconuts in Solomon Islands

The elusive Vangunu giant rat, one of the world's rarest rodents, has been photographed for the first time in the Solomon Islands. The species, described as "coconut-cracking" due to its ability to chew through coconuts, is at least twice the size of a common rat. Logging has critically endangered the species, making the new photos a promising development for its conservation. The discovery of the Vangunu giant rat is the first new rodent species described from the Solomon Islands in over 80 years.

international-relations2 years ago

Solomon Islands Leader Skips Biden Summit to Avoid Lecture

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated that he skipped the Pacific Islands leaders summit at the White House to avoid a "lecture" and because he had more pressing issues at home. Sogavare, who has close ties with China, expressed disappointment with the lack of outcomes from the previous summit and praised China's development cooperation as "less restrictive" at the United Nations General Assembly. The summit saw U.S. President Joe Biden making a significant pledge for infrastructure investment in the Pacific region, but Sogavare prioritized the remaining weeks of parliament in Solomon Islands over attending the summit.

international-relations2 years ago

Solomon Islands PM's absence dampens Biden's Pacific summit

The United States expressed disappointment that Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will not attend a Pacific Islands summit with President Joe Biden next week, as part of Biden's efforts to increase engagement with the Pacific region amid competition with China. The summit with the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum will take place on Monday and Tuesday in Washington, with Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele attending instead. Sogavare, who praised China's development cooperation at the United Nations General Assembly, had reached an understanding with President Xi Jinping during a July visit to China. Vanuatu Prime Minister Sato Kilman will also not attend due to a no-confidence vote in parliament.

international-relations2 years ago

Solomon Islands PM Condemns Japan's Fukushima Water Dump, Praises China's Global Security Initiative

The leader of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare, has joined China in criticizing Japan's decision to release wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. Sogavare expressed his dismay at the move during his address at the United Nations General Assembly, stating that if the water is safe, it should be stored in Japan. China has accused Japan of treating the ocean as a "sewer" and has banned Japanese seafood imports. While some Western countries support Japan's decision, there have been scattered protests in South Korea. Sogavare, who has close ties with China, also praised China's Belt and Road Initiative during his speech.