Seasons of Wildlife
Due to the Central Pacific location of Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, shore and seabirds can be found nesting year-round. Green sea turtle and hawksbill turtles generally forage for food within the waters, while nesting occurs in the summer months.
Featured Species
Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge is home to numerous species of unique wildlife. The low coral island is vegetated by herbs and grasses tolerant of the arid climate. It is surrounded by beaches on all sides composed of sand or coral shingle. The wildlife found in and around the island is rich with diversity ranging from a variety of birds, marine mammals, various species of reptiles, invertebrates, marine life, and flora.
Marine Life
The surrounding reef is home to 252 species of fish, manta rays, and sea turtles. At least nine species of algae have been collected at Jarvis, including four species of green algae, two spices of brown algae, and three species of red algae.
Birds
Fourteen species of seabirds nest on Jarvis Island, with Jarvis supporting one of the largest sooty tern colonies in the world. An estimated 1 million terns reside the island. Boobies, frigatebirds, noddies, shearwater, and tropicbirds also nest on Jarvis.
