The Suwarrow Rangers have recently returned to Rarotonga after a four-month mission dedicated to the conservation and preservation of our national park. The team comprised Suwarrow Ranger Johnnie Tangaroa, his partner Tracy Terei serving as Assistant Ranger, and Suwarrow Nature Officer Karen Silk.
This marks the first deployment of a three-member team to Suwarrow.
During their time on Suwarrow, the team focused on monitoring and surveillance activities, customs and biosecurity clearances for visiting yachts, as well as conducting field research, data collection, and management.
This season, both Johnnie and Tracy undertook essential border agency operations, which included customs and biosecurity duties, maintenance and repairs on the shelter, and ongoing monitoring of each motu. The rangers reported a concerning increase in the amount of plastic debris washing ashore, along with various types of waste, including intact light bulbs and fixtures and numerous gas cylinders.
Suwarrow Nature Officer Karen Silk conducted daily observations and surveys of turtles, vegetation, birds, and other species. She also collected specimens for identification and biosecurity purposes, along with photographic documentation to enhance the national biodiversity records.
With the return of the Suwarrow Rangers, Suwarrow will remain closed till June 2026.
