Plant succession after phosphate mining on Nauru

Abstract

Summary Since 1907 phosphate mining and other forms of human‐induced disturbance have severely modified Nauru's topography and vegetation. Through a series of 10 m × 10 m quadrats in mined and unmined sites, we examine the success of indigenous and exotic plant species in the initial colonization and succession of abandoned phosphate mined sites and the nature of the potential natural vegetation. Nauru has a total of 467 plant species of which only 45 are indigenous. Although exotic herbs are the initial colonizers of the mined sites, they are quickly replaced by indigenous, often strand species. The forest in unmined areas is dominated by Calophyllum inophyllum with other strand species comprising the secondary stratum. Mining of phosphate creates a pit and pinnacle relief. Ficus prolixa which is able to grow on the pinnacles is dominant in the older mined sites.