Takutea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Takutea, in the Cook Islands, is a small uninhabited island 9 miles northwest of Atiu. Because it is only one-half square mile in size and has a very dangerous landing at the northwest corner of the reef, it has been designated a wildlife sanctuary, mainly for the red-tailed tropic birds and red-footed Boobies.
It's administered by a Trust and special permission is needed from the Trust Chairman, High Chief Rongomatane Ariki if you want to visit. Alternatively, you could join the research vessel, Bounty Bay for an eco tour. It's run by Pacific Expeditions Ltd. out of Rarotonga.
Takutea is the only island in the Cooks never to have had a permanent population. Even when Captain Cook sighted the island on 4 April, 1777 and some crew members went ashore, they found some huts but no evidence of a permanent settlement.
Copra cutters visit once a year to cut coconuts from the trees and a quantity of the tail feathers of the tropic birds. Visitation is only possible with government approval.
The conservation service, made up of local residents from other islands, makes regular trips to the island to monitor the conservation.
