View source for Austral Islands

{{short description|Archipelago in French Polynesia}}
{{for|the island in the Antarctic|Austral Island}}
{{Infobox islands
| name             = Austral Islands
| image_name       = Flag of the Austral Islands.svg
| image_caption    = [[Flag of the Austral Islands]]
| image_size       = 250px
| map_image        = Karta FP Austral isl.PNG
| native_name      = Îles Australes (French) / Tuha'a Pae (Tahitian)
| native_name_link = 
| nickname         = 
| location         = [[Pacific Ocean]]
| coordinates      = {{coord|23.88|S|147.67|W|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map      = French Polynesia#Oceania#Pacific Ocean
| archipelago      = [[Polynesia]]
| total_islands    = 7
| major_islands    = [[Tupua'i]], [[Rūrutu]], [[Ra'ivāvae]], [[Rapa Iti]]
| area_km2         = 152
| highest_mount    = Mont Perau
| elevation_m      = 650
| country          = France
| country_admin_divisions_title     = [[Overseas collectivity|Collectivity]]
| country_admin_divisions           = [[French Polynesia]]
| country_capital_city              = 
| country_largest_city              = [[Rūrutu]]
| country_largest_city_population   = 2,466<ref name=census>{{cite web |title=Population |url=http://www.ispf.pf/bases/Recensements/2017/Donnees_detaillees.aspx |website=Institut de la statistique de la Polynésie française |access-date=7 June 2019 |language=fr |archive-date=27 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627160052/http://www.ispf.pf/bases/Recensements/2017/Donnees_detaillees.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>
| languages        = [[French language]], [[Tahitian language|Tahitian]], [[Rapa language|Rapa]], [[Austral language|Austral]], [[Polynesian languages]]
| country_leader_title              = 
| country_leader_name               = 
| population       = 6,965<ref name=census/>
| population_as_of = 2017
| density_km2      = 43
| ethnic_groups    = 
| additional_info  =
| timezone1        = [[UTC-10]]
}}

The '''Austral Islands''' ({{langx|fr|Îles Australes,}}<ref>{{cite book | last=Guillin | first=Jean | title=L'archipel des Australes | publisher=A. Barthélemy | publication-place=Le Pontet | date=2001 | isbn=2-87923-138-8 | oclc=469536927 | language=es}}</ref> officially ''Archipel des Australes;'' {{langx|ty| Tuha'a Pae}}) are the southernmost group of islands in [[French Polynesia]], an [[overseas country of France|overseas country]] of the [[France|French Republic]] in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]]. Geographically, they consist of two separate archipelagos, namely in the northwest the [[Tupua'i]] islands ({{langx|fr|Îles Tubuaï}}) consisting of the [[Îles Maria]], [[Rimatara]], [[Rūrutu]], Tupua'i Island proper and [[Ra'ivāvae]], and in the southeast the [[Bass Islands (French Polynesia)|Bass Islands]] ({{langx|fr|Îles basses}}) composed of the main island of [[Rapa Iti]] and the small [[Marotiri (Austral Islands)|Marotiri]] (also known as Bass Rocks or Îlots de Bass). Inhabitants of the islands are known for their [[pandanus]] fiber weaving skills.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gotahiti.com/hotels/australs-resorts/ |title=Australs Resorts |work=Tahiti Travel Planners |access-date=16 December 2014 |archive-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430065013/https://gotahiti.com/hotels/australs-resorts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The islands of Maria and Marotiri are not suitable for sustained habitation. Several of the islands have uninhabited islets or rocks off their coastlines. Austral Islands' population is 6,965 on almost {{cvt|150|km2|0}}. The capital of the Austral Islands administrative subdivision is [[Tupua'i]].

==History==
[[Whaling]] vessels were among the earliest and most consistent visitors to the islands in the 19th century. The first such vessel for which a record exists is the ''New Hazard'' in 1813.<ref>{{cite book | editor-last=Langdon | editor-first=Robert | title=Where the whalers went : an index to the Pacific ports and islands visited by American whalers (and some other ships) in the 19th century | publisher=Pacific Manuscripts Bureau, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University | publication-place=Canberra | date=1984 | isbn=0-86784-471-X | oclc=11488983 | page=1}}</ref> These ships came for fresh drinking water, firewood and food provisions.

=== Prehistory ===
The prehistory of the Austral Islands is largely in the dark, as only a few [[Archaeology|archaeological]] excavations have been carried out so far.<ref name=":3">{{cite book | last=Kirch | first=Patrick Vinton | title=On the road of the winds : an archaeological history of the Pacific islands before European contact | publisher=University of California Press | publication-place=Berkeley, Calif. | date=2000 | isbn=0-520-22347-0 | oclc=41641356}}</ref> The date of the earliest settlement is unclear, as radiocarbon dates are scarcely available. However, due to their peripheral location in the [[Polynesian Triangle]], scholars suspect that the Austral Islands were colonized relatively late, possibly by visitors from the [[Society Islands]], [[Mangareva]], or the [[Cook Islands]].

The Noble families of the Austral Islands and the clans of the Society Islands share [[kinship]]. For example, chief Tamatoa of Tubuai believed that he was descended from an [[ariki]] from the island of Raiatea.<ref>{{cite book | last=Edwards | first=Edmundo | title=Raʻivavae : archaeological survey of Raʻivavae, Austral Islands, French Polynesia | publisher=The Easter Island Foundation | publication-place=Los Osos, CA | date=2005 | isbn=1-880636-22-0 | oclc=70205511 | page=15}}</ref> The [[United States|American]] archaeologist Patrick Vinton Kirch has further suggested that the Austral Islands, the southern Cook Islands, and the Society Islands should be seen as one extended cultural family.<ref name=":3" /> [[New Zealand]] archaeologist Atholl John Anderson has argued similarly that the island of Rapa was settled around 1200 A.D.<ref>Atholl John Anderson et al.: ''Prehistoric human impacts on Rapa, French Polynesia''. In: Antiquity, Vol. 80 vom Juni 2006, pp. 340–354</ref>

At Atiahara, on the north coast of [[Tubuai]], a near-beach settlement was excavated beginning in 1995 under the direction of American archaeologist Mark Eddowes, probably from a very early settlement phase. Food remains from the waste pits suggest that the inhabitants fed mainly on shellfish (fish, mussels, crustaceans) from the [[lagoon]]. Other food animals included pigs, chickens and Pacific rat.

The processing of mussel shells, probably also for the exchange of [[goods]] with other settlements, was an integral part of the economy. Dating of charcoal remains yielded dates of 1453 (±150 years) and 1113 (±50 years).<ref>Mark Eddowes: ''Initial Results from Atiahara and Tetaitapu, Two Coastal Settlement Sites, Upon the Islands of Tubuai and Tahiti.'' In: Pataricia Vargas Casanova (ed.): ''Easter Island and Polynesian Prehistory'', Instituto de Estudio de Isla de Pasqua, Universidad Santiago de Chile 1999, pp. 7–30</ref> According to the current state of research, an initial settlement of the Austral Islands can be assumed at the beginning of the [[2nd millennium|second millennium AD]].

After initial settlement in caves and rock ledges near the [[coast]], a stratified tribal society developed rapidly in settlements near the beach. The structure of the settlements reflected the social order. There were strictly separate dwellings, built of perishable materials, for the aristocracy, the priests, the middle class (artisans, artists), [[warrior]]s, adolescents and pubescent girls.<ref>Donald Marshall: ''Raivavae.'' Doubleday & Co., New York 1961, p. 101</ref>

Due to increasing tribal warfare, the [[beach]] settlements were abandoned, probably in the seventeenth or eighteenth century. The inhabitants retreated to heavily fortified settlements in the inland [[hills]], comparable to the Pā of New Zealand. On Rapa Island, for example, 15 such [[castles]] have been recorded.<ref>''Aufstieg und Fall auf Rapa''. In: Abenteuer Archäologie, Heft 4, 2006, p. 8

Rise and fall on Rapa. In: Adventure Archaeology, Issue 4, 2006, p. 8</ref>

The [[Norway|Norwegian]] archaeological expedition to [[Easter Island]] and the eastern Pacific in 1956, led by Thor Heyerdahl, determined an antiquity of between 200 and 300 years for a fortified settlement on Rapa's Morongo Uta hill and dated the Hatututi castle complex of Raivavae to 1700 AD. Numerous wars and probably also [[overexploitation]] of natural resources may have drastically reduced the population even before the arrival of [[Europeans in Oceania|Europeans]].

=== European exploration and colonization ===
Rurutu was the first of the Austral Islands to be discovered by [[Europe]] in 1769. [[James Cook]] reached the island, which he named Ohetiroa, during his first voyage to the Pacific on August 14, 1769. After [[HMS Endeavour|HMS ''Endeavour'']] anchored off the island for the night, Cook launched the pinnace the next day under the command of [[John Gore (Royal Navy officer, died 1790)|Lieutenant Gore]].

Naturalist [[Joseph Banks]] was also on the ship. A large number of armed warriors were walking along the shore. As Cook had ordered to avoid any risk, the Pinasse returned to the [[ship]] without having attempted a landing.<ref>''Captain Cook’s Journal during his first voyage round the world made in H.M. Bark “Endeavour” 1768–71. A Literal Transcription of the Original Mss. with Notes and Introduction edited by Captain W.J.L. Wharton, R.N., F.R.S. Hydrographer of the Admiralty.'' Elliot Stock, London 1893</ref>

The [[Spaniards|Spaniard]] Tomás de Gayangos was the first European to reach the island of [[Raivavae]] on February 5, 1775, with the ships Águila and Júpiter as part of an expedition to Tahiti initiated by [[Manuel de Amat y Junyent]]. The next day Gayangos had a ship leave [[Tahiti]] with Lieutenant Benarcosi and two translators, but they were prevented from landing in Mahanatoa Bay by several war canoes.<ref name="ReferenceA">Jacques-Antoine Moerenhout: ''Voyages aux îles du Grand Océan.'' Bertrand, Paris 1837; englische Übersetzung: Arthur R. Borden: ''Travels to the Islands of the Pacific Ocean.'' University Press of America, Lanham (MD) 1993</ref>

James Cook discovered the island of [[Tubuai]] in March 1777 during his third voyage, but also failed to set foot on the island. His report was known to [[Fletcher Christian]], the leader of the mutineers on [[HMS Bounty|HMS ''Bounty'']]. After the [[Mutiny on the Bounty|mutiny of the Bounty]] on April 28, 1789, off Tofua, the ship first headed for Tubuai, but only stayed there for a week before sailing for Tahiti. Armed with provisions and several Tahitian women, the mutineers returned to Tubuai to settle. However, internal disputes and bloody clashes with the islanders, in which 66 Tubuans were killed, caused the Bounty to depart only three months later.<ref>Caroline Alexander: ''Die Bounty.'' Berlin Verlag, Berlin 2003, pp. 26–28</ref>

[[Rapa Iti]] was discovered in 1791 by [[George Vancouver]], Marotiri in 1800 by [[George Bass]], Rimatara in 1811 by British Tahitian sandalwood trader Samuel Pinder Henry, and Maria Atoll was finally discovered for the Western Hemisphere in 1824<ref>John Dunmore: ''Who´s Who in Pacific Navigation.'' University of Hawaii Press, Honolulu 1991</ref> by Nantucket whaling captain [[Gardner (whaling family)|George Washington Gardner]].<ref>[[Max Quanchi]] & John Robson: ''Historical Dictionary of the Discovery and Exploration of the Pacific Islands.'' The Scarecrow Press, Lanham (MD) 2005, p. XX</ref>

After the Pomaré dynasty consolidated its rule in Tahiti with [[British Empire|British]] support and [[Pomaré II]] was crowned king in 1819, it decided to extend its sphere of influence to the Austral Islands. Captain Lewis' American brig brought the king, his court and several missionaries from the [[London Missionary Society]] (LMS) to the Austral Islands in October 1819. Lewis was rewarded with Raivavae sandalwood. The clans were engaged in one of their usual tribal wars. Pomaré managed to mediate between the warring parties and resolve the conflict diplomatically.

He left as governor one of his Tahitian chiefs, who prepared the ground for the LMS Protestant missionaries who followed from Moorea a year later.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> The conversion to Christianity was peaceful, as the chiefs assimilated the new religion quickly and without resistance. [[Christianization]] put an end to tribal warfare, but brought about decisive changes in the stratified tribal society. The [[omnipotence]] of the tribal leaders had been broken. The Austral Islands initially remained under Tahitian hegemony.

In 1862, a two-year incursion of the so-called "[[Blackbirders]]" began, who took more than 3500 South Pacific islanders to [[Peru]] and [[Chile]] as slave labor. In December 1862, a fleet of five ships anchored in Rapa's Ahurei [[Bay]]. A strong group of armed men was put ashore to capture workers by force. But the inhabitants retreated to the mountain forts and the occupants had to leave without having achieved anything. A few days later, the [[Chilean Navy|Chilean]] schooner Cora arrived at Rapa. Thirteen chiefs met and decided to capture the ship and crew and hand them over to the French authorities in Tahiti. A group of warriors sneaked aboard the Cora and seized the captain. The crew surrendered without resistance. Five sailors decided to stay on the island as guests. A subsequent attempt by the barque Misti to capture the work was abandoned when the [[captain]] learned of the Cora's fate.<ref>Henry Evans Maude: ''Slavers in Paradise.'' University of the South Pacific Press, Suva (Fidschi) 1986, pp. 39–41</ref>
[[File:Famille royale et chefs de Rurutu.jpg|thumb|Royal family and chiefs of Rurutu. The young king, the regent, group of chiefs and inhabitants of Rurutu, 1889.]]
[[Pōmare IV|Queen Pomaré IV]] of Tahiti ceded part of her [[sovereignty]] to France. As a result, France formally declared a [[protectorate]] over Tubuai in 1874 and Raivavae in 1876. With the end of the Pomaré dynasty-the last king of Tahiti was Pomaré V-the islands were annexed in 1880 and became a [[List of French possessions and colonies|French colony]].<ref>Steven Roger Fischer: ''A History of the Pacific Islands''. Palgrave, New York 2002, p. 135</ref> One exception was two small islands that the colonial powers of France and Britain had apparently overlooked. Rurutu, under King Teuruarii IV, and Rimatara, under [[Tamaeva IV|Queen Tamaeva IV]], initially remained independent kingdoms. After an exchange of diplomatic notes and after [[United Kingdom|Britain]] expressed no interest in the islands, Rurutu came under French suzerainty on March 27, 1889, and [[Rimatara]] on March 29, 1889, The final [[annexation]] took place in 1900, Rimatara and Rurutu also became [[French colonial empire|French colonies]].<ref>Jean-Louis Tamatoa Candelot: ''Opera-bouffe sous les tropiques – Lorsque deux petits royaumes voulurent devenir anglais (Histoire de Rurutu et Rimatara)''. In: ''Tahiti-Pacifique Magazine'' vom Juli 1999

Jean-Louis Tamatoa Candelot: Opera-bouffe in the tropics – When two small kingdoms wanted to become English (History of Rurutu and Rimatara). In: Tahiti-Pacific Magazine vom Juli 1999</ref>

==Geography==
The '''Tuha'a Pae''' or '''Austral Islands''' ({{langx|fr|Îles Australes}} or ''{{lang|fr|Archipel des Australes}}'') are the southernmost group of islands in [[French Polynesia]], an [[overseas collectivity]] of [[France]] in the [[Oceania|South Pacific]]. Geographically, the Austral Islands consist of two separate archipelagos. From northwest to southeast they are:
*The '''Tupua'i Islands''' ({{langx|fr|Îles Tubuaï}}), named for one of the main islands. They consist of:
**[[Îles Maria]] ({{coord|21|48|00|S|154|41|00|W|}}) in the northwest, part of Rimatara municipality
**[[Rimatara]] ({{coord|22|38|25|S|152|50|16|W|}}),
**[[Rūrutu]] ({{coord|22|29|04|S|151|20|03|W|}}),
**[[Tupua'i]] ({{coord|23|23|00|S|149|27|00|W|}}),
**[[Ra'ivāvae]] ({{coord|23|52|00|S|147|40|00|W|}}),
*The '''Bass Islands''' ({{langx|fr|Îles Bass}}) comprise:
**the main island of [[Rapa Iti]] ({{coord|27|35|00|S|144|20|00|W|}}), [[File:Tubuai depuis le motu Mitiha.jpg|thumb|Tubuai, Austral Islands.]]
**the small [[Marotiri|Marotiri island]] ({{coord|27|55|00|S|143|26|00|W|}}) in the southeast, part of Rapa municipality
The islands of Maria and Marotiri are not suitable for sustained habitation. Several of the islands have uninhabited islets or rocks off their coastlines.

The chain is associated with the [[Macdonald hotspot]]. The only active volcano is the [[Macdonald seamount]] (40m depth).<ref>{{cite book |last=Gillespie |first=Rosemary G. |author2=David A. Clague |title=Encyclopedia of Islands |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g9ZogGs_fz8C&pg=PA342 |access-date=7 May 2013 |year=2009 |publisher=University of California Press |location=Berkeley, CA |isbn=9780520256491 |page=342 |archive-date=19 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419121848/https://books.google.com/books?id=g9ZogGs_fz8C&pg=PA342 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In administrative terms, the Austral Islands (including the [[Bass Islands (French Polynesia)|Bass Islands]]) constitute an administrative subdivision, the Tuha'a Pae or Austral Islands (''subdivision administrative des (Îles) Australes''), one of [[French Polynesia]]'s five [[Administrative divisions of French Polynesia|administrative subdivisions]] (''subdivision administratives''). Geographically, the administrative subdivision of the Austral Islands is identical with the constituency of the Austral Islands (''circonscription des Îles Australes''), one of [[French Polynesia]]'s six constituencies (''circonscriptions électorales'') for the [[Assembly of French Polynesia]].

The capital of the Austral Islands administrative subdivision is [[Tupua'i]].

=== Geology ===
The Austral Islands form a chain of seven islands extending from southeast to northwest. They are the product of a hot spot beneath the still active Macdonald seamount, which rises 338 [[kilometers]] east-southeast of Bass Rocks (Marotori) to about 40 meters below sea level. The geologically oldest, more eroded and fractured islands are in the northwest, the younger ones in the southeast of the chain. The geological age of the basaltic rocks ranges from 28.6 million years on Rimatara in the northwest to 3.3 million years on Marotiri in the southeast.<ref name=":0">Valérie Clouard & Alain Bonneville: ''Ages of seamounts, islands and plateaus on the Pacific plate.'' In: Foulger, G. R., Natland, J. H., Presnall, D. C., and Anderson, D.L., (eds.): ''Plates, plumes, and paradigms'', Geological Society of America Special Paper No. 388, pp. 71–90</ref>
[[File:Hibiscus rouge de Tubuai.jpg|thumb|''Hibiscus rosa-sinensis'' in the Austral Islands]]
Marotiri, the youngest island, is merely a group of rugged [[volcanic]] rocks with no protective coral reef. Maria, on the other hand, the oldest, is an atoll whose volcanic central island sank into the sea long ago, leaving only four motus. The remaining islands are classic atolls with a central island, a coral reef and a fringe of coral islands in the various stages of development.<ref name=":0" />

=== Climate ===
The northern '''[[Tupua'i|Tupua'i islands]]''' have a [[tropical rainforest climate]] (''Af'' according to the [[Köppen climate classification]], Arab according to the [[Trewartha climate classification]]), but relatively cool compared to the Polynesian islands further north, as the Tupua'i islands are around the [[Tropic of Capricorn]]. Summers are hot and muggy, with an abundance of precipitation caused by thunderstorms from easterly winds. In addition, the islands can be affected by cyclones in the austral summer (between November and April). Winters are warm and humid, with easterly winds still creating high precipitation amounts. Far from any landmasses, the Tupua'i islands have a low absolute temperature range – a record high of 32.7&nbsp;°C (90.9&nbsp;°F) in March and a record low of 9.2&nbsp;°C (48.6&nbsp;°F) in August.
{{Weather box
| single line = y
| Jun precipitation mm = 119.0
| Mar mean C = 26.0
| Mar sun = 204.9
| Mar record low C = 15.8
| Mar precipitation mm = 176.3
| Mar precipitation days = 13.3
| Mar low C = 23.4
| Mar high C = 28.6
| Jun sun = 141.6
| Jun record low C = 10.0
| Jun precipitation days = 11.4
| May low C = 20.7
| Jun mean C = 21.7
| Jun low C = 19.0
| Jun high C = 24.4
| Jul sun = 165.5
| Jul record low C = 10.0
| Jul precipitation mm = 136.0
| Jul precipitation days = 11.2
| Jul mean C = 21.2
| Jul low C = 18.6
| Jul high C = 23.9
| May high C = 25.8
| May mean C = 23.2
| Jan precipitation mm = 194.4
| Oct low C = 19.5
| Sep record low C = 10.3
| Sep precipitation mm = 104.8
| Sep precipitation days = 9.6
| Sep mean C = 21.1
| Sep low C = 18.4
| Sep high C = 23.9
| Oct precipitation mm = 116.5
| Oct precipitation days = 9.9
| Oct mean C = 22.1
| Oct high C = 24.7
| May precipitation days = 12.4
| Nov sun = 199.9
| Nov record low C = 12.0
| Nov precipitation mm = 133.9
| Nov precipitation days = 10.2
| Nov mean C = 23.4
| Nov low C = 20.8
| Nov high C = 25.9
| May sun = 158.6
| May record low C = 10.0
| May precipitation mm = 153.3
| Jan record low C = 14.5
| Jan precipitation days = 13.2
| location = Tubuai (1981−2010 normals, extremes 1948−2014)
| Sep record high C = 29.0
| Apr low C = 22.3
| Apr mean C = 24.9
| Apr high C = 27.4
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
| source 1 = [[Météo-France]]<ref name=Météo-France>{{cite web |url=https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_98753001.pdf |title=climate of Tubuai 1981–2010 |language=fr |publisher=[[Météo-France]] |access-date=April 8, 2022 |archive-date=January 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118084808/https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_98753001.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| precipitation colour = green
| Dec record high C = 32.0
| Nov record high C = 30.0
| Oct record high C = 30.0
| Aug record high C = 30.0
| Apr precipitation mm = 165.3
| Jul record high C = 30.0
| Jun record high C = 31.0
| May record high C = 32.0
| Apr record high C = 32.3
| Mar record high C = 32.7
| Feb record high C = 32.0
| metric first = y
| Jan record high C = 32.0
| width = auto
| source = 
| Apr precipitation days = 12.5
| Apr sun = 175.6
| Jan mean C = 25.7
| Dec precipitation mm = 200.4
| Jan low C = 23.3
| Jan high C = 28.0
| Feb record low C = 15.5
| Feb precipitation mm = 192.4
| Feb precipitation days = 12.9
| Feb mean C = 26.2
| Feb low C = 23.7
| Feb high C = 28.6
| Dec sun = 177.0
| Dec record low C = 14.3
| Dec precipitation days = 13.2
| Apr record low C = 14.6
| Dec mean C = 24.5
| Dec low C = 22.0
| Dec high C = 26.9
| Aug sun = 165.0
| Aug record low C = 9.2
| Aug precipitation mm = 133.4
| Aug precipitation days = 11.3
| Aug mean C = 21.0
| Aug low C = 18.3
| Aug high C = 23.7
| Oct record low C = 10.7
}}

The southern [[Bass Islands (French Polynesia)|'''Bass Islands''']] have a have a [[tropical rainforest climate]] (''Af'' in the [[Köppen climate classification]], ''Arab'' in the [[Trewartha climate classification]]), bordering on a very-mild winter [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'' in the [[Köppen climate classification]], ''Cfal'' in the [[Trewartha climate classification]]). Despite being situated south of the Tropic of Capricorn, the remote location in the middle of a tropical ocean enables the climate to be moderated in all seasons. Summers and winters are slightly cooler than in the Tupua'i Islands, and cyclones are rarer, as the islands are located near the [[Horse latitudes|Horse Latitudes]] at thirty degrees south. Precipitation is abundant in all seasons, and sunshine is uncommon every month of the year. The cool winters and strong winds prohibit ultra tropical fruits such as coconuts to thrive,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-18 |title=Rapa Iti Island |url=https://tropicalislands.net/rapa-iti-island/ |access-date=2022-04-23 |website=Tropical Islands |language=en-US |archive-date=2021-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806042133/https://tropicalislands.net/rapa-iti-island/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as it has dropped to 8.5&nbsp;°C (47.3&nbsp;°F) in September.
{{Weather box
| width = auto
| location = Rapa, French Polynesia, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1951–present
| metric first = y
| single line = y
| Jan high C = 25.7
| Feb high C = 26.4
| Mar high C = 26.1
| Apr high C = 24.5
| May high C = 22.9
| Jun high C = 21.4
| Jul high C = 20.7
| Aug high C = 20.4
| Sep high C = 20.4
| Oct high C = 21.4
| Nov high C = 22.7
| Dec high C = 24.0
| year high C = 23.0
| Jan mean C = 23.7
| Feb mean C = 24.4
| Mar mean C = 23.9
| Apr mean C = 22.4
| May mean C = 20.8
| Jun mean C = 19.1
| Jul mean C = 18.4
| Aug mean C = 18.1
| Sep mean C = 18.1
| Oct mean C = 19.2
| Nov mean C = 20.6
| Dec mean C = 21.9
| year mean C = 20.9
| Jan low C = 21.7
| Feb low C = 22.3
| Mar low C = 21.7
| Apr low C = 20.2
| May low C = 18.6
| Jun low C = 16.8
| Jul low C = 16.2
| Aug low C = 15.8
| Sep low C = 15.8
| Oct low C = 16.9
| Nov low C = 18.5
| Dec low C = 19.9
| year low C = 18.7
| Jan record high C = 31.0
| Feb record high C = 30.9
| Mar record high C = 31.6
| Apr record high C = 30.3
| May record high C = 28.1
| Jun record high C = 26.3
| Jul record high C = 24.7
| Aug record high C = 25.0
| Sep record high C = 26.4
| Oct record high C = 26.4
| Nov record high C = 28.9
| Dec record high C = 30.1
| Jan record low C = 12.2
| Feb record low C = 15.6
| Mar record low C = 15.2
| Apr record low C = 13.5
| May record low C = 10.1
| Jun record low C = 10.2
| Jul record low C = 9.8
| Aug record low C = 8.9
| Sep record low C = 8.5
| Oct record low C = 10.5
| Nov record low C = 12.0
| Dec record low C = 13.2
| Jan precipitation mm = 229.4
| Feb precipitation mm = 186.9
| Mar precipitation mm = 275.8
| Apr precipitation mm = 251.4
| May precipitation mm = 185.0
| Jun precipitation mm = 208.7
| Jul precipitation mm = 258.4
| Aug precipitation mm = 237.8
| Sep precipitation mm = 165.1
| Oct precipitation mm = 184.1
| Nov precipitation mm = 170.6
| Dec precipitation mm = 221.4
| precipitation colour = green
| year precipitation mm = 2574.6
| unit precipitation days = 1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 13.2
| Feb precipitation days = 12.5
| Mar precipitation days = 15.3
| Apr precipitation days = 14.9
| May precipitation days = 14.5
| Jun precipitation days = 15.7
| Jul precipitation days = 15.4
| Aug precipitation days = 15.5
| Sep precipitation days = 12.7
| Oct precipitation days = 12.2
| Nov precipitation days = 11.8
| Dec precipitation days = 12.7
| year precipitation days = 166.4
| source 1 = Meteo France<ref>{{cite web |url=https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_98741001.pdf |title=Fiche Climatologique |publisher=[[Météo France]] |accessdate=February 2, 2021 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210171902/https://donneespubliques.meteofrance.fr/FichesClim/FICHECLIM_98741001.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| source = 
| Jan sun = 128.9
| Feb sun = 130.3
| Mar sun = 129.1
| Apr sun = 107.7
| May sun = 96.6
| Jun sun = 78.9
| Jul sun = 95.0
| Sep sun = 104.1
| Oct sun = 119.1
| Nov sun = 129.3
| Dec sun = 119.6
}}

==Ecology==
The Austral islands constitute the [[Tubuai tropical moist forests]] terrestrial ecoregion. The natural vegetation consisted of lowland and montane rain forests. Much of the original forest has been mostly cleared for pasture and agriculture. The islands are home to several endemic plants and animals, including the [[Rimatara reed warbler]] (''Acrocephalus rimatarae''), [[Rapa fruit-dove]] (''Ptilonopus huttoni''), and [[Kuhl's lorikeet]] (''Vini kuhli'').<ref>{{WWF ecoregion|name=Tubuai tropical moist forests|id=oc0116}}</ref>

Most of the islands are surrounded by coral reefs. The islands constitute a distinct [[marine ecoregion]].

=== Vegetation ===
The [[flora]] of the Austral Islands has already been modified mainly by the [[Polynesians|Polynesian]] aborigines. On the uninhabited Maria Atoll, ancient, largely undestroyed native vegetation can be found. On Rapa, too, there are still small remnants of the original montane rainforest in inaccessible steep areas.<ref name=":1">{{cite book | last=Mueller-Dombois | first=Dieter | last2=Fosberg | first2=F. Raymond | title=Vegetation of the tropical Pacific islands | publisher=Springer | publication-place=New York | date=1998 | isbn=0-387-98285-X | oclc=37254337 | page=400}}</ref>

On the four larger islands (Rapa, [[Raivavae]], Tubuai and [[Rurutu]]) the vegetation is dominated by secondary growth. Beach vegetation differs little from that of other Pacific island groups, but is less species-rich. In the few areas undisturbed by man, ''[[Pisonia grandis]]'' palm, heliotropes of the species ''[[Heliotropium arboreum]]'' (synonyms: ''Argusia argentea, Tournefortia argentea'') and ''[[Pandanus tectorius]]'' predominate, with shrubby and creeping plants in the understory.<ref name=":1" />

At lower elevations, outside of cultivated areas, there are thickets of ''[[Hibiscus tiliaceus]]''. Guava (''[[Psidium guajava]]''), probably introduced by Europeans, has also spread widely and forms extensive tangled stands up to middle elevations. However, large areas have been damaged by previous [[slash-and-burn]] and goat grazing, and open grasslands have formed with few low-growing trees. Dense stands of ferns have established in the narrow, moist crevices. The higher elevations in the lee of the mountains are arid in places.<ref name=":1" />

{{See also|List of endemic plants of the Tubuai Islands}}

== Economy ==
The inhabitants of the Austral Islands live mainly from [[subsistence agriculture]]. The very fertile soils and the warm and humid climate make it possible to grow [[vegetables]], tubers (taro and yams) and tropical and subtropical fruits. The products are mainly consumed by the farmers themselves, and small surpluses are exported to Tahiti. In addition, [[fishing]] and livestock (chickens and pigs) are raised for local consumption. Some copra, coffee in small quantities ([[Raivavae]] and Rurutu) and vanilla (Rurutu) are grown for export.
[[File:La mairie de Tubuai.jpg|thumb|Tubuai City Hall]]
[[Tourism]] has barely touched the islands so far, and the tourist infrastructure is still underdeveloped. The islands can be reached by regular supply boat from Tahiti and by light aircraft from Tahiti-Faa'a airport. There are airfields at [[Rurutu]], Tubuai, Raivavae and Rimatara.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Stanley |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vrM4DgAAQBAJ&dq=airport+Rimatara&pg=PT223 |title=Moon Tahiti |date=2011-04-05 |publisher=Avalon Publishing |isbn=978-1-61238-114-5 |language=en |access-date=2021-11-15 |archive-date=2022-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407103430/https://books.google.com/books?id=vrM4DgAAQBAJ&dq=airport+Rimatara&pg=PT223 |url-status=live }}</ref> The currency is (still) the [[CFP franc]], which is pegged to the [[euro]]. The administrative budget of the Austral Islands is largely financed by France and the [[European Union|EU]].

== Politics and government ==
Politically, the Austral Islands today belong to [[French Polynesia]] (Pays d'outre-mer – POM) and are therefore affiliated with the EU. They are administered by a subdivision (''Subdivision administrative des Îles Australes'') of the High Commissariat of the Republic in French Polynesia (''Haut-commissariat de la République en Polynésie française'') in Papeete, on the island of Tahiti.

The [[archipelago]] is politically divided into 5 municipalities (Communes des Îles Australes), which administer themselves.

The official time zone is UTC −10.

== Demographics ==
The 6,820 inhabitants (2012 census)<ref name=":2">Institut Statistique de Polynésie Française (ISPF): ''Recensement de la population 2012, Tableaux standards'',</ref> live mainly in small [[village]]s; there are no large cities in the Austral Islands. Unlike other regions of Polynesia, the population of the Austral Islands has declined since the mid-1990s.<ref name=":2" /> The reason is the high migration of young people from the isolated archipelago to other parts of [[Polynesia]] or to France for their better job prospects.
[[File:Fort George propriété de Anna Tetauru.jpg|thumb|Notice written in French in the old Fort George]]

=== Religion ===
The majority of the population is [[Christians|Christian]]<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Cone |first1=Steven D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sbKrDwAAQBAJ&dq=austral+islands+catholic&pg=PA406 |title=A Global Church History: The Great Tradition through Cultures, Continents and Centuries |last2=Rea |first2=Robert F. |date=2019-09-05 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-0-567-67307-7 |language=en |access-date=2021-11-15 |archive-date=2022-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926034853/https://books.google.com/books?id=sbKrDwAAQBAJ&dq=austral+islands+catholic&pg=PA406 |url-status=live }}</ref> mostly belonging to various [[Protestantism|Protestant groups]] and the [[Catholic Church]]. There are four Catholic churches under the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Papeete|Archdiocese of Papeete]]: two on Tubuai Island{{snd}} the Church of Mary and the Church of Saint Joseph (Église de Maria no te Hau; Église de Saint-Joseph){{snd}} <ref>{{Cite web |title=Église de Saint-Joseph |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/oceania/28540.htm |access-date=2021-08-17 |website=GCatholic |archive-date=2021-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814082554/http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/oceania/28540.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> one on Rurutu Island{{snd}} the Church of Saint Francis Regis (Église de Saint-François-Régis){{snd}} <ref>{{Cite news |title=Église de Saint-François-Régis |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/oceania/28542.htm |access-date=2021-08-17 |website=GCatholic |archive-date=2021-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814082538/http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/oceania/28542.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and one on Raivavae Island{{snd}} the Church of Saint Peter (Église de Saint-Pierre).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Église de Saint-Pierre |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/oceania/28543.htm |access-date=2021-08-17 |website=GCatholic |archive-date=2021-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814082557/http://www.gcatholic.org/churches/oceania/28543.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> According to 1991 data, Protestant Christian groups represent the majority on these islands.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Saura |first=Bruno |date=1991 |title=The Tahitian Churches and the Problem of the French Presence in 1991 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25169083 |journal=The Journal of Pacific History |volume=26 |issue=2 |pages=347–357 |doi=10.1080/00223349108572673 |jstor=25169083 |issn=0022-3344 |access-date=2021-08-17 |archive-date=2021-08-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210815003850/https://www.jstor.org/stable/25169083 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

=== Languages ===
The official language, as in the rest of France, is French. In everyday life, the [[Austral language]], which belongs to the [[Polynesian languages]], is often spoken, but with a tendency to decline. On [[Rapa Iti]] island, [[Rapa language]] is also spoken.

== Culture ==
The traces of [[culture]] originating from the Austral Islands are quite numerous and the works of art produced there have often been judged as the most remarkable produced in [[Polynesia]] However, almost none of these works can be found on these islands but in renowned [[museum]]s in Western countries.

Indeed, passing ships received numerous offerings but also plundered some of the islands' sites, notably the missionaries of the London Missionary Society, anxious to eradicate all traces of ancient worship. The marae, Polynesian places of worship, were thus excavated and gradually disappeared. In [[Raivavae]], for example, out of sixty-two marae present at the beginning of the 20th century, only twenty-three remain visible today.

The best known work of art from the Austral Islands is certainly the sculpture of the God A'a, discovered in [[Rurutu]] and currently exhibited at the [[British Museum]] in London.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Carved wooden figure known as A'a |url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aoa/c/carved_wooden_figure_known_as.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014232138/http://www.britishmuseum.org:80/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aoa/c/carved_wooden_figure_known_as.aspx |archive-date=2007-10-14}}</ref> There is a reproduction on the island. It is composed of thirty small figures sculpted on its body; its back had a cavity that could accommodate twenty-four other small sculptures which were however destroyed in 1822.<ref name=":4" />

The Austral Islands are also known for their large vertical [[drum]]s or "pahu" often decorated with [[human]] figures that often welcomed [[Christians|Christian]] explorers or missionaries. [[File:Display of objects from Austral Islands, Otago Museum, 2016-01-29.jpg|thumb|Display of objects from Austral Islands]]Numerous other figures carved in wood or even in stone for the marae, carved wooden fly swatters generally with anthropomorphic figures, sometimes even with ivory handles, large decorated spoons as well as highly decorated bowls have been found in the [[archipelago]]. Overall, these works are finely decorated with great complexity and often with anthropomorphic figures.

Other objects used to dress the people or personalities of the [[island]]s have been discovered, such as elaborate hairstyles as well as large crowns and [[necklace]]s of hair or feathers with shell or ivory pendants.

==See also==
{{Portal|Geography|Islands|Oceania}}
*[[French overseas departments and territories]]
*[[Administrative divisions of France]]
*[[Islands controlled by France in the Indian and Pacific oceans]]
*[[List of islands of France]]
*[[Politics of French Polynesia]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Les-Subdivisions2/des-iles-Australes Official site] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607085324/http://www.polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr/Les-Subdivisions2/des-iles-Australes |date=2019-06-07 }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061125054320/http://www.polynesie-francaise.gouv.fr/hc/iles-australes/dossiers.asp Archives, municipalities with maps]
*{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223043232/http://www.oceandots.com/pacific/tubuai/ |date=December 23, 2010 |title=Oceandots.com satellite images }}

{{Archipelagos of French Polynesia}}
{{French Polynesia topics}}
{{Austral Islands}}
{{Polynesia}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Austral Islands| ]]