FAUNA (BIRDS)

Seabirds are usually the first animals to colonise an island formed by an oceanic volcano. Young seabirds tend to return to breed in the place they were raised, so new breeding colonies begin slowly. Once a new colony is established it will grow. The size of seabird populations is often regulated by competition for food within easy foraging range of the breeding site. North Keeling Island is the only seabird breeding area within a radius of 900km - it is therefore of unique importance to the ocean's seabird biota. The only endemic bird to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands which can only be found on North Keeling Island is the Cocos Buff-banded rail (Gallirllus phillppensis andrewsi).

On the southern atoll you are more likely to see birds in flight rather than nesting. Most common are the Red-footed booby birds, common noddies, white terns, frigate birds, Rufus Night Heron, White-faced Heron and several types of wading birds. Many of the birds seen are vagrant species, travelling to and from their homes even as far away as China! Approximately 60 species of birds have been recorded on the two atolls.

Gygis alba - White Tern image courtesy of Parks Australia	Anous stolidus - Common Noddy image courtesy of Parks Australia

MARINE

One of the most outstanding features of both atolls is its near intact coral atoll ecosystem. The outer reef slope descends to the sea floor, sometimes gently, sometimes a steep cliff face. It is at the top edge of the slope that the waves break, especially on the "weather side" where the reef faces the prevailing winds.

Over 500 species of fish, 100 species of hard corals, 600 species of molluscs, 200 species of crustaceans and nearly 100 species of echinoderms have been recorded around the atolls. Turtles, manta rays, nudibranchs and bottlenose and common dolphins are also seen regularly. Whales are not common however rare sightings have been recorded.

Soft Corals and sea cucumbers image courtesy of: Undersea Reflections	Manta ray - a common sight image courtesy of: Undersea Reflections

PULU KEELING NATIONAL PARK

The conservation significance of North Keeling was clearly recognised when the island was recommended to become a national park or nature reserve by two House of Representative committees in 1990 and 1991, following its listing on the Register of the National Estate in 1990.

In 1993, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council resolved in principle to lease North Keeling Island to the Commonwealth for the creation of a national park. The lease was finalised in 1995 and stipulated that the Island must be developed as a national park of world standard.

Proclamation of Pulu Keeling National Park in December 1995 ensures the long-term conservation of the island's unique biodiversity and safeguards its natural and historical attributes for the benefit of the local, national and international communities.

As of July 2000, wildlife protection and management and national park management in the Territory is carried out under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Regulations.

Pulu Keeling National Park is also the final resting place of the remains of the infamous German Raider, the SMS Emden which was sent to destroy the Cable Station on Direction Island in November 1914. A battle raged between the HMAS Sydney I and the SMS Emden. Being totally outgunned by the Sydney, the captain of the Emden finally ran his vessel aground. Not much remains of this once mighty warship, however it is now protected by the Historical Shipwrecks Act.

Access to the Park can be hazardous and the island's habitats and animals are sensitive to disturbances by humans. Public access is only permitted in the company of Parks Australia staff or licensed tour operators. Please check with the staff at the Parks Australia office for current visitor access requirements.