Article on the tradition of catching frigate birds in Nauru.
A report by Jim Specht of the Australian Museum, Sydney. 8 pages
Pacific Science 1992: vol. 46: no. 2: 128-158.
Scientific article
Newspaper article
Refer to dataset description for information. Please use this version for double-sided printing.
Please refer to dataset description for further information.
A traditional sport called Ibbon Itsi is an annual competition that last about a week, where men try and catch as many frigate birds as possible. Tame frigate birds are used to lure other frigate birds.
8 page report:
Tridacna maxima used for adze blades
The indigenous floras of the raised phosphatic limestone island of Nauru and the atolls of the Gilbert Islands are among the poorest on earth. Long settlement, widespread destruction during World War II, monocultural
expansion of coconut palms, and more than 75 yr of open-cast phosphate mining in the case of Nauru have led to serious vegetation degradation, disturbance, and displacement. The floras of Nauru and the Gilbert Islands consist of
Provide images and an insight into the life of Nauruans during the early period of contact with outsiders.
Journal article: Journal of Geography (1951) vol. 50
Government Report to UNCCD - prepared by the Dept. Economic Development and Environment. 2003
Report by the Nauru Historical Committee
Article
An essay by Nancy Viviani
Discusses the clash between European and native cultures. Nauru was first sighted by Captain John Fearn of the 'Hunter' on a voyage from NZ to the China Seas in 1798. British mandate after the First world war. Development of the phosphate industry. Changes in the native economy. Population. Second World War
The environmental issue of greatest concern to the people of Nauru is the degradation of the mined phosphate lands. In all of the series of consultations that were carried out between the people of Nauru and the various teams of technical experts to ascertain the feasibility of rehabilitating the island, it was constantly emphasised that the total degradation of topside, including localized inland, water shortages and coastal erosions are problems that need to be addressed for sustainable development.
Japanese occupation. In August 1942, Nauru became one of the many island strongholds in the Empire's defensive chain protecting its Pacific conquests. Expecting an Allied attack any day, the Japanese strongly reinforced the little atoll, building numerous pillboxes and gun emplacements. The garrison also included four Type 95 light tanks - all of which were found parked under canvas next to one of the burnt-out oil tanks by the Australians when they occupied the island in 1945.
Brief history of Nauru from British occupation to the Japanese invasion.
Phosphate and political progress is the story of David and Goliath in a modern political setting in the South Seas. Controlled, protected, or occupied successively by Germans, Australians, British and Japanese and then again by Australians under the UN Trusteeship all (except Germany) for the purpose of exploiting the island's one resource - phosphate - Nauru is one of the smallest and most isolated islands in the Pacific, with a mere 3000 inhabitants.