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Atauro Island: scientists discover the most biodiverse waters in the world
Conservation International finds 643 species around Timor-Leste island, some of which are believed to be entirely new
A small island, a short boat trip from Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, appears to have the most biodiverse waters anywhere in the world.
- Michael Slezak
- The Guardian
There is a push for the site to be protected with a view to developing an ecotourism industry for the country’s struggling economy.
Atauro Island sits just 24km north of Dili, is 23km long and is home to about 8,000 people.
According to a new biological survey, it sits in waters that have more species of reef fish per site than any other place on the…