Kaveu, coconut crab

Tikehau coconut crabs, also known by the scientific name Birgus latro, are a fascinating and emblematic species of the terrestrial fauna of Tikehau atoll, located in French Polynesia. These giant crabs amaze visitors and play a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

Coconut crabs are among the world's largest land crabs, reaching a wingspan of almost a meter and weighing up to 4 kilograms. Their imposing appearance is characterized by a robust carapace of varied colors, often punctuated by lighter spots. Their massive claws enable them to climb trees and their impressive pincers to break coconuts for food.

These crabs play a crucial ecological role as scavengers and decomposers. They feed on decomposing organic matter, helping to maintain a balance in the ecosystem. Coconut crabs also play a role in seed dispersal. As they travel great distances, they unwittingly carry seeds into their environment, helping to regenerate local vegetation.

Coconut crab reproduction is a complex process. Females lay their eggs in the sea, where the larvae develop. After a phase of marine life, the larvae return to land, where they undergo a metamorphosis to become land crabs. This migration between water and land is a unique feature of their life cycle.

In short, the coconut crabs of Tikehau are extraordinary creatures that embody the biodiversity and richness of French Polynesia. Their impressive size, crucial ecological role and fascinating life cycle make them an emblematic species that deserves to be protected and celebrated for future generations.

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Spending a family vacation in a secluded location in an exceptional area like Tikehau’s atoll can be a very attractive vacation project.
Fafarua Private Island is certainly the place.
On the private island, everything has been done to provide the necessary comfort for a pleasant stay in an environment that remains rather hostile to non-native people.

There are, however, certain realities to consider.

The concept of a secluded private island responds to the notion of enjoying an exceptional environment with peace, tranquility and respect for the place and its inhabitants.
We ask our guests to share these values. We appreciate good humor, music and general conviviality. However, we do not tolerate yelling, screaming, fighting or aggressive behavior, regardless of the age of the guests.

Parents are responsible for supervising their children, whether in the buildings, on the grounds, during unsupervised swimming, or on excursions.
In addition, the natural environment can present a number of hazards:
- Risk of injury from coral, which is omnipresent on an atoll,
- Numerous coconut trees with coconuts that can fall,
- Unsupervised swimming.

The remoteness of the island should be taken into account, as we are 30 minutes by boat (in calm seas) from the village clinic (there is no doctor on the island) and one hour by plane from the nearest hospital (in Tahiti).

The use of equipment such as paddleboards, kayaks, fins, masks and snorkels must be under the supervision and responsibility of parents.

The installations, furnishings and decorations of the lodge are the result of more than twenty years of work and are often difficult to repair or replace. Therefore, we ask that everyone be respectful and make appropriate use of the facilities, equipment and environment. The house as a whole, should not be considered a playground.

Rooms must be used according to their normal occupancy. For example, a room with a bathroom for 2 to 3 people cannot be used for 4 to 6 people. The 60 000 square meter motu and its beaches are available for physical exercise.

The remoteness of the atoll and the private island makes sourcing very complicated, forcing the chef to constantly adapt to what's available.
We give great preference to fresh local produce and our cuisine is based on fish in all its forms, caught locally and whenever we can.
It is very difficult to plan "special children's" meals and cater to everyone's specific tastes. We therefore recommend that you contact us prior to booking to find out how we can accommodate your needs.

Similarly, the isolated location of the private island and the need to be self-sufficient in water and electricity means that we have to consider the wise use of these two resources without wasting them.

For all these reasons, although we are happy to welcome children, we feel that Fafarua Private Island is not a "particularly suitable" structure for children, especially young ones.
That's why, after ten years of experience, we have decided not to accept children under the age of 12.
We would be happy to welcome children over the age of 12, and we ask families bringing children to understand that this will only be possible if they make an effort to adapt to what we offer and to the rules of conviviality on the motu.

Spending a family vacation in a secluded location in an exceptional area like Tikehau's atoll can be a very attractive vacation project.
Fafarua Private Island is certainly the place.
On the private island, everything has been done to provide the necessary comfort for a pleasant stay in an environment that remains rather hostile to non-native people.

There are, however, certain realities to consider.

The concept of a secluded private island responds to the notion of enjoying an exceptional environment with peace, tranquility and respect for the place and its inhabitants.
We ask our guests to share these values. We appreciate good humor, music and general conviviality. However, we do not tolerate yelling, screaming, fighting or aggressive behavior, regardless of the age of the guests.

Parents are responsible for supervising their children, whether in the buildings, on the grounds, during unsupervised swimming, or on excursions.
In addition, the natural environment can present a number of hazards:
- Risk of injury from coral, which is omnipresent on an atoll,
- Numerous coconut trees with coconuts that can fall,
- Unsupervised swimming.

The remoteness of the island should be taken into account, as we are 30 minutes by boat (in calm seas) from the village clinic (there is no doctor on the island) and one hour by plane from the nearest hospital (in Tahiti).

The use of equipment such as paddleboards, kayaks, fins, masks and snorkels must be under the supervision and responsibility of parents.

The installations, furnishings and decorations of the lodge are the result of more than twenty years of work and are often difficult to repair or replace. Therefore, we ask that everyone be respectful and make appropriate use of the facilities, equipment and environment. The house as a whole, should not be considered a playground.

Rooms must be used according to their normal occupancy. For example, a room with a bathroom for 2 to 3 people cannot be used for 4 to 6 people. The 60 000 square meter motu and its beaches are available for physical exercise.

The remoteness of the atoll and the private island makes sourcing very complicated, forcing the chef to constantly adapt to what's available.
We give great preference to fresh local produce and our cuisine is based on fish in all its forms, caught locally and whenever we can.
It is very difficult to plan "special children's" meals and cater to everyone's specific tastes. We therefore recommend that you contact us prior to booking to find out how we can accommodate your needs.

Similarly, the isolated location of the private island and the need to be self-sufficient in water and electricity means that we have to consider the wise use of these two resources without wasting them.

For all these reasons, although we are happy to welcome children, we feel that Fafarua Private Island is not a "particularly suitable" structure for children, especially young ones.
That's why, after ten years of experience, we have decided not to accept children under the age of 12.
We would be happy to welcome children over the age of 12, and we ask families bringing children to understand that this will only be possible if they make an effort to adapt to what we offer and to the rules of conviviality on the motu.

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