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[[Image:Moluccas.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Map by {{user|Wintibird|Wintibird}}]] | [[Image:Moluccas.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Map by {{user|Wintibird|Wintibird}}]] | ||
=Overview= | =Overview= | ||
− | The Moluccas are a group of islands in [[Indonesia]]. | + | The Moluccas are a group of islands in [[Indonesia]]. They are west of [[New Guinea]], northwest of [[Australia]], and east of [[Sulawesi]] and the [[Lesser Sundas]]. |
− | They are | ||
Politically they form two Indonesian provinces: | Politically they form two Indonesian provinces: |
Revision as of 15:01, 25 June 2023
Overview
The Moluccas are a group of islands in Indonesia. They are west of New Guinea, northwest of Australia, and east of Sulawesi and the Lesser Sundas.
Politically they form two Indonesian provinces:
- Maluku
- Ambon
- Aru
- Babar
- Banda
- Buru
- Kai
- Kisar
- Leti
- Seram
- Tanimbar
- Wetar
- North Maluku
- Ternate
- Bacan
- Halmahera
- Morotai
- Obi
- Sula
- Tidore
They lie in Wallacea, the biogeographical area between Asia and Australia. Where communities rely on fishing the forest may remain relatively untouched. In general, the logging of rainforest for timber and the growing populations of the islands are a big threat to the future of many species.
Birds
The avifauna is more Australasian than Asian and families like Birds-of-paradise, Honeyeaters or Whistlers are represented by many endemic species.
Endemics
Regional endemics
See Sulawesi for a list of species shared with that Province