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

Maintaining the Many Societal Benefits of Rangelands: The Case of Hawai‘i (Land, 2021)

June 2, 2021

Authors Leah Bremer et al suggest that well managed rangelands as part of a mosaic, contribute to social and ecological health and well-being in Hawai‘i.

Changing Climate and Fire: a Crisis Brewing in the Pacific

April 13, 2021

As the climate crisis rages on, wildfires will become ever more frequent, more intense, and more wide-spreading in Hawai’i and across the Pacific. This fact sheet summarizes the latest climate…

The Raging Flames of Palau (Video): The Value of Palau’s Forests

February 16, 2021

Learn about preventing the threat of fires to Palau’s population and forest, a source of cultural pride and biological diversity.