While Réunion lacks large native land mammals, it hosts an impressive array of endemic wildlife, including the Reunion day gecko and several unique bird species like the Reunion harrier. The island's waters support diverse marine life, including dolphins, whales (particularly during migration season), and numerous tropical fish species. Many native species face conservation challenges, with several historic extinctions including the famous Reunion Solitaire bird.
The island's diverse botanical heritage includes over 850 native plant species, with about 230 found nowhere else on Earth. Vegetation zones range from coastal palm forests to mountain heath, with notable endemic species like the Reunion Island Tree Fern and the critically endangered Bourbon Rose. Despite significant habitat loss to agriculture and development, protected areas preserve remarkable plant communities, including unique orchid species and the island's signature tree, the Bois de fer.
Réunion emerged from the ocean floor through volcanic activity approximately three million years ago. The island features two major volcanic massifs: the extinct Piton des Neiges, reaching 3,070 meters as the Indian Ocean's highest peak, and the highly active Piton de la Fournaise, one of Earth's most active volcanoes. The island's dramatic landscape includes three cirques (Cilaos, Mafate, and Salazie) formed by massive volcanic collapses and erosion, creating deep valleys and towering cliffs.
First discovered by Arab sailors in the Middle Ages, Réunion was claimed by France in 1642 and initially named Île Bourbon. The island became a crucial stop on East Indies trade routes and developed through coffee plantations and later sugarcane cultivation, relying heavily on enslaved labor until abolition in 1848. Following departmentalization in 1946, Réunion transformed from a colonial territory into an integral part of France, experiencing significant modernization while maintaining its unique Creole culture and identity.
Réunion's most striking features include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pitons, Cirques and Remparts, covering over 40% of the island with spectacular volcanic landscapes and biodiversity hotspots. The island boasts world-class hiking trails, including the famous GR R2 circuit, dramatic waterfalls like the Cascade du Voile de la Mariée, and unique cultural attractions showcasing its Creole heritage. Coastal areas feature black and white sand beaches, while the interior offers remote villages accessible only by foot and some of the world's most challenging ultra-trail running courses.
Réunion experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a warm, humid summer from November to April (with temperatures 25-31°C) and a cooler, drier winter from May to October (20-25°C). The east coast receives significantly more rainfall than the west, while microclimate variations occur with altitude. Cyclones can affect the island during summer months, particularly January to March, while the highlands can experience occasional frost above 2,000 meters.
France
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The Réunion National Park covers the central area of Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. It features active volcanoes, including Piton de la Fournaise, and dramatic mountain landscapes. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique biodiversity.