Rattus exulans - The Polynesian rat, also known as the Pacific rat, originated in Southeast Asia. It cannot swim for long distances and probably followed human migration onto the Pacific islands by stowing away in the vessels used by the first arrivals as they crossed from one Pacific island to another. As an invasive species, the Polynesian rat has been the direct cause of extinctions for many endemic plant and animal species once found throughout the Pacific region.
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Nauru had been inhabited by Polynesian people for over 3,000 years. The twelve pointed star on the national flag and seal represents the original 12 tribes of Nauru. The first European to visit the island was John Fearn; the British whaling captain arrived in 1798. The beauty of the island and the friendly reception of the native population prompted Fearn to name the island “Pleasant Island.” Nauru had been under the control of Germany, Australia, and Japan, but became self-ruling in January 1968.
