Basic data for : Tonga

This report examines the effects of land use practices and other human activities on Tonga"s biological diversity. Major threats are identified as: (1) severe soil destruction, fires, and overgrazing, which contribute to the spread of anthropogenic grasslands; (2) sand and coral mining for construction; (3) standardization of garden and agricultural crops, which is probably resulting in the loss of several endemic cultivars; (4) indiscriminant use of pesticides and disposal of pollutants and illegal poisoning of fish; and (5) logging on the volcanic islands. In addition to human activities, natural disasters such as tropical cyclones and frequent droughts and floods have threatened isolated populations of rare species. Earthquakes, landslides, and vulcanism are also common on some islands. The report also provides background information on Tonga"s basic geography (including a list of available maps and surveys), political system, biodiversity protection laws, land tenure system, managed area systems, and governmental and nongovernmental conservation agencies. Major taxa and ecosystems are also listed.