Takutea, Cook Islands

Population 0
0.5 sq mls/1.3 sq. kms

Twelve and a half miles (20 kms) north west of Atiu is the tiny coral cay of Takutea. It's only 20 feet (6 metres) above sea level at the highest point and most of it's covered in coconut palms. The island is sometimes still called Enua-Iti which means Small Island. Captain James Cook recorded that name in his journal when he reached the island on 4 April, 1777 and sent boats ashore to collect food.

The island has been designated a wildlife sanctuary. It's administered by a Trust and special permission is needed from the Trust Chairman, High Chief Rongomatane Ariki if you want to visit. Alternatively, you could join the research vessel, Bounty Bay for an eco tour. It's run by Pacific Expeditions Ltd. Their web site has all the details (opens in a new window).

Thousands of red tailed tropicbirds and red footed boobies (below left and right) nest on the island, which is one of the most important sea bird breeding grounds in the Pacific region. Feathers from the tropicbird are gathered for traditional costumes. Terns, noddies and frigatebirds are also found in large numbers. The kota or great frigatebird (centre) that nests there has become an unofficial emblem for the Cook Islands.

No doubt the birds have thrived because Takutea is the only island in the Cooks never to have had a permanent population. Even when some of Captain Cook's crew went ashore 230 years ago, there was no evidence of a permanent settlement, although they found some empty huts.

You can find out more about birdlife on Takutea and throughout the Cook Islands at the
Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust Biodiversity Website.

Access: Restricted

NATIONAL PROTECTION, WORLD RECOGNITION

Island leaders on Atiu have signed an agreement with a not-for-profit environmental organisation to develop a 297 acre wildlife sanctuary on Takutea. A five mile restricted fishing zone will also be set up around the island. The agreement means no changes will be allowed to the natural environment for 20 years. The organisation - SeaCology - have previously funded environmental protection work on Mangaia.

And Takutea has been nominated as a world heritage site. It's been selected along with Atiu because of its outstanding significance as a migratory and breeding ground for birds, and its other natural treasures. The World Heritage Convention which is part of the UN organisation, UNESCO, will make a final decision on designation later this year.

The island is surrounded by a pristine, unbroken reef

Surf Takutea!
400 metre wide rides are possible according to islanders on neighbouring Atiu

Booby chicks wander the beach, with no fear of humans

Desert island...
deserted island

All of the pictures below and the two left and right of the island aerial shot are courtesty of Atiu island's own web site which has been written by islanders themselves. Highly recommended.