Search results for
Sharks, Rays, Whales, and Dolphins of Guam
Large animals that are well-known and beloved by the general public are typically referred to as “Charismatic Megafauna.” The term is most commonly used by conservationists to describe animals whose widespread appeal makes them useful for increasing environmental awareness and support.
Tuninos: Dolphins and Their Cousins in Guam Waters
Classification, appearance and local distribution. Pilot whales are in the dolphin family (Delphinidae), which is part of the oceanic dolphins. The name “pilot” was came from the thought that one whale piloted the group. They are widely distributed and are currently recognized as two types: short-finned and long-finned. Although there is some evidence that the short-finned type may be two or more species, they are still classified as one type. The long-finned pilot whales are usually found in colder temperate conditions, while the short-finned live in warm tropical waters.
Bayena: Whales in Guam Waters
Whales are mammals. Cetacea is an order of marine mammals that includes both whales and dolphins. They are clearly identified by their streamlined bodies and fins, which make them very fast and agile swimmers. Some species are able to reach speeds up to 35 mph. They are best known for their dramatic leaps or “breaching” out of the water.
Hafula’ yan Halu’u: Rays and Sharks in Guam Waters
Large diverse family of fish. Sharks or halu’u in CHamoru, and rays or hafula’ in CHamoru, belong to a family of fish referred to as Elasmobranchs. It is a very diverse group of fish that includes approximately 1,000 species. They are found in all of the world’s oceans and in many types of marine environments, from shallow sandy banks to 5,000 ft. deep in the open ocean. Elasmobranchs are characterized by having a skeleton comprised of cartilage (like human ears) instead of bone.
Dr. Laurie Raymundo
Dr. Laurie Raymundo has been a professor at the UOG Marine Lab since joining the University in 2014. She is a coral biologist, interested in the impacts of human stressors on corals and coral reefs.
Tourism’s Effect on Guam Reefs
Importance of coral reefs to Guam. Coral reefs are important to Guam for many reasons, but the primary reason is the protection of the island. Reefs help to protect the beaches that draw in local residents and tourists. They are a natural coastline protection against storm surges, coastal erosion, and high waves, especially during tsunamis, tropical storms, and typhoons. Coral reefs form a barrier that buffers coastal areas from severe weather events, protecting human lives, economic activities, and coastal properties.
Watch Where You Breathe: Radon on Guam
What is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas that forms from the natural decay of the element uranium. Because uranium is found in all soils, radon gas is emitted virtually everywhere. It is odorless, colorless, and completely undetectable without the right equipment. It travels upwards through cracks in the underlying rock and, eventually, into homes and buildings. If such structures are poorly ventilated, radon can gradually accumulate to unsafe levels.
Guam Tree: Håyun Lågu
Serianthes nelsonii is a tree species that is endemic to the Mariana Islands of Guam and Rota. Each island has its own unique local name for this plant. On the island of Guam, it is called håyun lågu, meaning “northern tree” or “foreign tree” (Figure 1), and in Rota, it is called trongkon guåfi or trongkon fi’a, meaning “fire tree”.
Kava: A Popular Plant of the Pacific
Kava (Piper methysticum) is an important ceremonial, traditional, and cash crop grown throughout the Pacific. The evergreen shrub usually grows on hillsides or low-lying mountains, in damp and shady areas. Kava’s rhizomes (underground roots of the plant; Figure 1) are commonly harvested for ancient and modern herbal remedies. When most people refer to kava they are actually referring to either the root or the drink made from squeezing the root (Figure 2). Across the Pacific, kava root is enjoyed both recreationally and ceremonially.
Insect Invasion to Guam
Islands are more susceptible to invasive species than larger land masses because island ecosystems evolved in relative geographic isolation. In the distant past, vast mountains and oceans proved sufficient to prevent the migration of even the hardiest of species. Global commerce and travel enable people and cargo to cross these great distances on ships and planes, often taking hitchhikers on the journey.