List of mammals of Fiji explained

This is a list of the mammal species recorded in Fiji. There are fifteen mammal species in Fiji, of which one is critically endangered, one is endangered, and three are vulnerable.[1]

The following tags are used to highlight each species' conservation status as assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature:

ExtinctNo reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
Extinct in the wildKnown only to survive in captivity or as a naturalized populations well outside its previous range.
Critically endangeredThe species is in imminent risk of extinction in the wild.
EndangeredThe species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
VulnerableThe species is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Near threatenedThe species does not meet any of the criteria that would categorise it as risking extinction but it is likely to do so in the future.
Least concernThere are no current identifiable risks to the species.
Data deficientThere is inadequate information to make an assessment of the risks to this species.

Order: Carnivora (carnivorans)

There are over 260 species of carnivorans, the majority of which eat meat as their primary dietary item. They have a characteristic skull shape and dentition.

Order: Chiroptera (bats)

The bats' most distinguishing feature is that their forelimbs are developed as wings, making them the only mammals capable of flight. Bat species account for about 20% of all mammals.

Order: Cetacea (whales)

The order Cetacea includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. They are the mammals most fully adapted to aquatic life with a spindle-shaped nearly hairless body, protected by a thick layer of blubber, and forelimbs and tail modified to provide propulsion underwater.

References

See also

Notes and References

  1. This list is derived from the IUCN Red List which lists species of mammals and includes those mammals that have recently been classified as extinct (since 1500 AD). The taxonomy and naming of the individual species is based on those used in existing Wikipedia articles as of 21 May 2007 and supplemented by the common names and taxonomy from the IUCN, Smithsonian Institution, or University of Michigan where no Wikipedia article was available.
  2. Web site: New species of mongoose in Fiji !! . 9 July 2010 .
  3. Jennings, A. . Veron, G. . 2016 . Herpestes auropunctatus . 2016 . e.T70204120A70204139 . 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T70204120A70204139.en . 18 November 2021.
  4. https://www.livingoceansfoundation.org/sneaky-minke/ Sneaky Minke
  5. http://www.owlfiji.com/finwhale.htm Finwhale in the Fiji Islands (Balaenoptera physalus)
  6. http://www.owlfiji.com/whalesanctuary.htm The Fiji Islands Whale Sanctuary