Hatutu, island in France
Hatutu is a small island in French Polynesia and a nature reserve covering about 7.2 square kilometers with rocky coastlines and sparse vegetation. The landscape remains untouched by major development, featuring rough terrain, low bushes, and no large buildings or roads.
The island became a protected nature reserve in 1971 to safeguard its natural features and wildlife. Hatutu has remained a quiet place with minimal human activity, serving as a refuge for rare and endangered species over decades.
The island has no shops or facilities and lacks regular transport connections, so visitors should bring water, food, and sun protection for the day. Access is limited and requires planning through guided tours or research teams, with few places to land.
The island hosts several bird species found nowhere else in the world, such as the Marquesan warbler and the Marquesas ground dove. These rare birds depend on Hatutu, making the reserve crucial for preserving species that exist only in this location.
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