The Republic of Palau comprises 250 islands at the western end of the Caroline Islands, approximately 500 miles due east of the Philippines.

Human habitation and Biodiversity

The island group was settled approximately 3,000 years ago and the current population is over 20,000 centered mostly in the city of Koror.  Largely renowned for its marine ecosystems, Palau's terrestrial ecosystems are also biologically diverse with high rates of species endemism and relatively large tracts of intact tropical rain forest.

EROSION IN RE-PRONE SAVANNA LANDSCAPE ON PALAU. PHOTO: CLAY TRAUERNICHT
Erosion in re-prone savanna landscape on Palau. Credit: Clay Trauernicht
Average mm of rainfall in Koror, Palau by month.
Average mm of rainfall in Koror, Palau by month. Data are from the Western Regional Climate Center.

Human-caused Fire, Ecological Effects and Seasonal Influences

Fire-prone savannas, dominated by native ferns, grasses and shrubs, occupy nearly 15% of Babeldaob, the largest island of Palau.  As elsewhere in Micronesia, these savannas were created and are maintained by intentional burning and create a complex forest-savanna mosaic landscape.  Palau experiences drier conditions annually during March and April, during which fires are most common.  Fire frequency and area burned increased dramatically during the severe drought associated with the 1998 El Niño event (2010 SWARS).

Palau Wildfires

The US Forest Service’s Pacific Island Research center’s Julian Dendy has mapped the extent of wildfires from 2012 – 2022.

Palau Babeldaob Wildfires closeup (2012-2022)

Recent Resources for the Western Pacific

Pacific Island Fuel Breaks & Management Strategies

October 30, 2019

A quick reference guide to establishing fuel breaks in tropical grasslands and savannas for reducing hazardous wildfire conditions on Pacific Islands.

2018 Western Pacific Wildfire Summary

March 26, 2019

This annual summary aims to provide a sense of context for wildfire activity on the Western US-Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) of Palau, Guam, the Northern Marianas, and Yap.

Wildfire In Paradise – Management Context and Challenges

October 1, 2018

This 2-page fact sheet explains the problem of wildfire on tropical islands as it intersects with watershed and marine resource health, invasive species, climate and weather. Tags: Hawaii, Climate &…