Photo: Angela K. Kepler · Public domain · Wikimedia CommonsWildlife· Mopelia (Maupiha'a)· French Polynesia — Society Islands
Mopelia Seabird Nesting Motus (Aveu & Tavae)
16° 46.4′ S · 153° 57.7′ W · approximate
Motu Aveu and Motu Tavae belong to the birds. Thousands of terns (tara) breed on bare sand and among the low bushes, so walking past sets off a screaming cloud overhead.
Practical
Noonsite (June 2024): the locals leave these motus to the birds. You can visit, but the terns will make a fuss. Their speckled eggs lie in shallow scrapes in the sand and the chicks are camouflaged, so avoid the bushes and low trees where they shelter. Coordinate is approximate: the northern motu chain west of the main island (OSM coastline). A Wikimedia Commons image places Motu Tavae on the north side. Check with the residents which motus are Aveu and Tavae. Wikipedia records that the 1917 copra lease included collecting turtles. This research found no current source on turtle nesting at Mopelia, so ask residents and keep off any turtle tracks. Land by dinghy at high water on a calm day; keep visits short and quiet, and never take eggs.
Best for
Seabird colony walk (with care)
Nearby
- Mopelia (Maupiha'a) Lagoon Anchorage1.3 NM away
- Mopelia Copra Community (gifts & trade)1.3 NM away
- Mopelia Landing & Copra Etiquette1.3 NM away
- Mopelia Lagoon Coral Heads & Pearl-Farm Debris1.4 NM away
- Mopelia Lagoon Snorkel & Bommies1.6 NM away
- Mopelia Access & Protected-Status Check1.7 NM away
- Mopelia Cyclone Season & No-Shelter Warning1.7 NM away
- Seeadler Wreck (von Luckner, 1917)1.9 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).