Giant Oceanic Ray - Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia is a collection of over 600 islands spread across 2,900 kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. The total land area consists of slightly more than 700 square kilometers. The country is divided into four states: Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Pohnpei is the largest in area and population.

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Manta birostris - The giant oceanic ray, measuring up to 9 meters in width and weighing 1,350 kilos, is the largest of the rays. It has huge pectoral fins, yet a relative short tail and dorsal fin. Similar to most giants of the ocean, the ray feeds mainly on tiny planktonic creatures. The krill, shrimp, and crabs are filtered from the water after passing through a specialized structure in the animal’s mouth. The oceanic ray usually bears one offspring after a 12 month gestation period. The pup is hatched inside the female and born fully developed.

Imperial Pigeon - Micronesia

Ducula oceanica - The Micronesian imperial pigeon had been distributed over several locations of the Pacific; Nauru, Palau, Kiribati, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands. It is no longer present on Nauru, Kiribati, and most of the Marshall Islands, a result of habitat loss and hunting. It breeds year round and is usually found in the forests of higher elevations, but does have a presence along beachfront mangroves. The imperial pigeon is frugivorous, an animal feeding primarily on fruit.

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The Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands are sovereign nations having close ties with the United States through a partnership called “Associate State.” As territories, they were administrated by the United States Navy from 1947 to 1951. Control passed to the Interior Department until independence was granted; Micronesia became independent in 1986. In exchange for economic, social, and military assistance, the United States is allowed to maintain military facilities in each nation.

Historical Flags of Oceania

Although the Philippines were under the control of Spain, the short-lived Republic of Biak-na-Bato was proclaimed as the first Philippine Republic in 1897 by Emilio Aguinaldo. The flag consisted of a disc featuring a human face emitting 24 beams of sunlight. The disc, sans the face, is still retained in the current Philippine flag. The Pacific Island Trust Territory was established by the United Nations and was administrated by the United States from 1947 to 1986. It included the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau. The Republic of Ezo existed from January to June of 1869. Located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, it was the first Asian state to hold an open election. The Tongan flag was adopted in 1862. In 1864, the Red Cross was formed in Geneva, Switzerland and used the reverse pattern of the Swiss flag in tribute, a design matching the Tongan flag of 1862. Tonga changed its flag in 1866.