New Caledonia, in the South Pacific , is a special collectivity of France. Not only does it have a fascinating history and unique culture, the islands also have one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Oceania, the Pindai Caves. These caves have provided archaeologists with a treasure trove of human remains, and palaeontologists with remains of extinct birds, reptiles and other fauna that dates to the Holocene Period.
The Lapita people were the first people to settle on the islands of New Caledonia. As these sailors of Austronesian extraction were extremely skilled navigators, New Caledonia played a very important role in their colonization of Oceania. They are regarded as the ancestors of the Polynesians who went on to populate many Pacific Islands and New Zealand. They are also the ancestors of the modern Kanak people of New Caledonia.
Archaeologists have found items that once belonged to the Lapita people, including many pot shards, within the Pindai Caves. They also left several heaps of shellfish scraps. Guano (bird excrement) was harvested in the caverns and used as a fertilizer.
Lapita pottery, found on Port Vila , Vanuatu ( CC BY-SA 3.0 )
New Caledonia was absorbed into the French Empire in the 19 th century when they used the islands as a penal colony. While the caves were explored in the 19 th century, archaeologists only investigated in the 20 th century and found two settlements in the Pindai Caves that were occupied by humans over a period of at least two millennia.
The extinct horned turtle, Meiolania. Source: CC BY SA 2.0
Along with the prehistoric settlements, a great many animal and bird remains have been discovered. Of the 45 species found, at least 20 are now extinct in New Caledonia or globally. Among the extinct species are rails, a kagu, pigeons, and a large snipe. Other long-extinct species of birds found includes the Sylviornis, a flightless megapode who laid its eggs on the ground in mounds, and a flightless swamp hen. The remains of a number of owls were also found. These too have been extinct for many years. A great number of these remains were found in potholes and sinkholes in the caves, which trapped the birds.
Sylviornis, the extinct flightless bird ( Renata Cunha )
A number of extinct reptiles were also found, including a land-dwelling crocodile ( Mekosuchus) as well as fossils of the giant horned turtle, Meiolania. The fossils and remains in the cave are providing researchers with insights into the extinction of species after the arrival of the first humans.
The results of various studies have not shown a definite link between human activity and the extinction of species such as the flightless birds on New Caledonia. The remains have been carbon dated and indicate that humans and the extinct species co-existed for many years. Over time, humans had an adverse impact on the environment and this, rather than overhunting, led to the demise of many species.
The caves are on a peninsula on the north coast of the main island, Grande Terre. The location has six caves of the karst type, two of which are accessible. The remaining four caves have been categorized as sinkholes - chasm created by the flow of subterranean water.
The location of New Caledonia (Google Maps)
The two accessible caves were once the homes of the first people who settled on the islands. The entrances of the cave broaden out into a large chamber and contain stalactites and stalagmites. Many species of birds lived in the caves, such as the extinct prehistoric birds whose fossils have been found by palaeontologists.
The caves are 130 miles (182 km) north of Noumea, the capital city of New Caledonia. There are guided tours of the region and they include excursions to the caves. The caves are protected by the local government and visitors are asked to respect the site.
Top image: New Caledonia Cave. Credit: damedias / Adobe Stock
By Ed Whelan
Anderson, A., Sand, C., Petchey, F., & Worthy, T. H. (2010). Faunal extinction and human habitation in New Caledonia: initial results and implications of new research at the Pindai Caves
Available at: https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/handle/10289/5404
Boyer, A. G., James, H. F., Olson, S. L., & Grant-Mackie, J. A. (2010). Long-term ecological change in a conservation hotspot: the fossil avifauna of M Aur Cave, New Caledonia . Biodiversity and conservation, 19(11), 3207-3224
Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-010-9887-9
Gaffney, E. S., Balouet, J. C., & Broin, F. D. (1984). New occurrences of extinct meiolaniid turtles in New Caledoni a. American Museum novitates; a. 2800
Available at: http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/handle/2246/5273
View original post here:
Pindai Caves, Once Home to the Lapita People and Extinct Species - Ancient Origins
- Oceania Cruises - Cruise Vacations & Cruise Deals | Mid-Sized ... - December 8th, 2016 [December 8th, 2016]
- Oceania Travel Guide - Wikitravel - December 9th, 2016 [December 9th, 2016]
- Home - Oceania - December 12th, 2016 [December 12th, 2016]
- Australia/Oceania - WorldAtlas.com - December 12th, 2016 [December 12th, 2016]
- List of sovereign states and dependent territories in Oceania ... - December 12th, 2016 [December 12th, 2016]
- List of the 14 Countries of Oceania by Area - December 22nd, 2016 [December 22nd, 2016]
- Oceania resort - Prestige Vacations Aruba - December 31st, 2016 [December 31st, 2016]
- Nations of Nineteen Eighty-Four - Wikipedia - December 31st, 2016 [December 31st, 2016]
- FIBA Oceania Championship - Wikipedia - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- FIBA Oceania - FIBA.com - January 5th, 2017 [January 5th, 2017]
- Hamish Bond eyes Oceania Road Cycling Championships - Newshub - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Harry Sommer in Sydney for Oceania Australasia appointment - Seatrade Cruise News - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Oceania to Offer 14 Alaska Cruise Departures in 2017 - Travel Agent - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Asia Oceania Geosciences Society names Zank its sixth honorary member - UAH News (press release) - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- Work-life concerns drive Oceania leaders' departures - Nikkei Asian Review - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises serves up great American adventures in The Great Land - Travel Daily Media (press release) (registration) (blog) - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Guam could host Oceania, Para tournaments - Pacific Daily News - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Ben Hill wins second Canberra Cycling Club Championship, now wants Oceania crown - The Sydney Morning Herald - February 9th, 2017 [February 9th, 2017]
- Asia and Oceania members get most out of FIBA National Federations Marketing and Communications Workshop in ... - FIBA - February 10th, 2017 [February 10th, 2017]
- Fiji Juniors Take On Oceania's Best - Fiji Sun Online - February 13th, 2017 [February 13th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises Reveals Late 2017 Voyages To Cuba - PR Newswire (press release) - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Davis Cup 2017: Bengaluru to host India-Uzbekistan Asia-Oceania Group I Rd 2 tie - Hindustan Times - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- U17 Qualifiers Progressing for Oceania Cup EMTV Online - EMTV Online - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Oceania cruises adds more Cuba trips from Miami with multiple stops on the island - Miami Herald - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Oceania Adds More Cuba Cruises for Late 2017 | Travel Agent Central - Travel Agent - February 17th, 2017 [February 17th, 2017]
- Oceania's Riviera -- smooth sailing with glorious food - ConsumerAffairs - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises Reveals New 2017 Voyages To Cuba - Caribbean360.com (subscription) - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Ba, Rewa in Oceania battle - Fiji Times Online - Fiji Times - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Asia Oceania Floorball holds annual meeting in Wellington - Insidethegames.biz - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- New Zealand U-17 footballers complete perfect record in pool play at Oceania champs - Stuff.co.nz - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Team Wellington look to crowdfund $25000 Oceania Champions League shortfall - Stuff.co.nz - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises offers six new itineraries to Cuba - Cruise and Ferry - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- Another open Oceania Rocket League comp kicks off soon - Gameplanet - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- Door open for Oceania athletes to compete at 2022 Asian Games - Insidethegames.biz - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- Shange excel at the Oceania Race Walk Championship - Pretoria East Rekord - February 22nd, 2017 [February 22nd, 2017]
- Macquarie books fundies for Oceania Healthcare non deal roadshow - The Australian Financial Review - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Paeroa wrestler to represent New Zealand at Oceania Wrestling ... - Waikato Times - February 23rd, 2017 [February 23rd, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises' OLife makes for an all-around delectable experience at sea - Travelweek - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Whirlpool promotes internal executive to managing director for Oceania - Appliance Retailer - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Live From Oceania Marina: Hits and Misses - Cruise Critic - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Carol tows Pacific Oceania to finals - Saipan Tribune - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- Sport: Pacific Oceania into tennis final - Radio New Zealand - February 24th, 2017 [February 24th, 2017]
- McCartney tops 4.82m Oceania record in Auckland, Crouser throws 22.15m - International Association of Athletics Federations - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Lee powers Pacific Oceania to title win - Saipan News, Headlines ... - Saipan Tribune - February 27th, 2017 [February 27th, 2017]
- Beach Volleyball Trial matches for Oceania Championship starts - EMTV Online - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises reprises 'Around the World in 180 Days' - Seatrade Cruise News - February 28th, 2017 [February 28th, 2017]
- New Zealand cyclist Sam Miller looking forward to aggressive racing ... - Stuff.co.nz - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Refining Industry Outlook in Asia and Oceania to 2021 - Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of ... - Business Wire (press release) - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises Announces New 180-Day Cruise for 2019 ... - TravelPulse - March 1st, 2017 [March 1st, 2017]
- Oceania cruises around the world in 180 days | Cruise News UK - Travel Daily Media (press release) (registration) (blog) - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Oceania to Sail New World Cruise in 2019 - Travel Agent - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Are we living in an Orwellian Oceania? - Palatinate - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Otago student wins Oceania scholarship - Otago Daily Times - March 2nd, 2017 [March 2nd, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises announces around the world in 180 days voyage for 2019 - Travel Daily News International - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Riders warm up for Oceania BMX battle - Western Advocate - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Oceania CACS conference targets technology-driven change - Technology Decisions - March 6th, 2017 [March 6th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises Culinary Programs for Foodies and Aspiring Chefs - Pursuitist - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- Oceania cycling championships top seed Lucy Kennedy eyeing the top of the podium - The Canberra Times - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- Leanna Curtis claims Oceania BMX crown - Western Advocate - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- Oceania Road Cycling Championships set to begin in Canberra - Insidethegames.biz - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- Sean Lake aiming for Oceania time trial and road race defence - Cyclingnews.com - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- Australia dominate day one of Oceania Road Cycling Championships - Insidethegames.biz - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- Mountain bike champ Jenny Blair hitting the road for Oceania Championships - The Sydney Morning Herald - March 9th, 2017 [March 9th, 2017]
- Australasia's best to battle for Oceania gold - The South Burnett Times - March 10th, 2017 [March 10th, 2017]
- Asia-Oceania Meeting of Religious inspires eco-citizens - Global Sisters Report (blog) - March 10th, 2017 [March 10th, 2017]
- Rowing champ Hamish Bond continues to excel on bike with ... - Stuff.co.nz - March 10th, 2017 [March 10th, 2017]
- Asia-Oceania Meeting of Religious inspires eco-citizens - National Catholic Reporter (blog) - March 11th, 2017 [March 11th, 2017]
- Hayley Wolfenden rides to an Oceania BMX podium - Western Advocate - March 12th, 2017 [March 12th, 2017]
- Aged care play Oceania Healthcare's pitch to fundies - The Australian Financial Review - March 12th, 2017 [March 12th, 2017]
- Davis Cup: Mahesh Bhupathi drops Leander Paes from Asia/Oceania Davis Cup tie against Uzbekistan - Bangalore Mirror - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Young South Canterbury speed skaters hunting medals in Australia at Oceania Championships - The Nelson Mail - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Rocket League Oceania: Open Qualifiers Recap - The Roar - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Vector Wins Asia-Oceania Financial Performance Award | Scoop ... - Scoop.co.nz (press release) - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- ITTF Signs Strategic Investment Agreement with ITTF-Oceania - Around the Rings (subscription) - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Big moves in NZ aged care ahead of Oceania IPO - The Australian Financial Review - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Team Oceania On Way to New York | Fiji Sun - Fiji Sun Online - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Riot Games Oceania inks deal with Twitter - Dot Esports - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Oceania Rugby assists unions "to do things better" - Matangi Tonga - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Oceania Cruises Offering Flight Upgrade Offer for European Sailings - Cruise Fever - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]
- Manawatu's Chris Sanson off to Oceania marathon championships - Manawatu Standard - June 7th, 2017 [June 7th, 2017]