Photo courtesy of Simon Ellis
The most interesting species for conservation in the Yela Valley are the mighty and majestic Terminalia Carolinensis trees themselves. This remarkably intact forest also provides habitat for the endangered Micronesian pigeon (Ducula oceanica) and Mariana fruit bat (Pteropus mariannus). To promote ecotourism in the area, Seacology is funding construction of a visitors center and a 265-foot boardwalk across the swamp, and clearing of key waterways to allow impact-free access to the forest area by boat in exchange for the establishment of the 87-acre area as a no-take reserve in perpetuity.
