Terrestrial Habitats Limestone Forest / Alutong
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Terrestrial Habitats Limestone Forest / Alutong
This kind of native forest, called alutong in Chamoru, grows only where limestone rock is present. Most of northern Guam was once covered by limestone forest, but the only large tracts now remaining in this part of the island occur along rugged coastal clifflines and military lands. Other stands occur in parts of southern Guam. The tallest trees in this forest often reach heights of 30-50 feet tall, but are kept from growing even larger by the island's frequent typhoons. Many familiar trees commonly grow in limestone forest, such as wild breadfruit (dokdok), paipai, fågot, cycads(fadang), pengua, chopak, ifil, banyans (nunu), pandanus, yogga, and åhgao. A variety of ferns and orchids is also present. This forest is the most important habitat for coconut crabs and many of our endangered native birds and fanihi (fruit bats). Introduced deer and wild pigs feed on understory vegetation and are harmful to many plant species. Another serious threat is bulldozing to make room for development.
Photos by DAWR.
Banyan tree. Photo © Chris Lobban
Guam Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 9/27/2005
