Crossroads of civilizations
Comoro Islands Extension
vibrant mix of cultures, natural beauties and historic monuments
Jun 01 - Jun 04 2010
Located in a strategic position at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, the archipelago of the Comoro Islands arose from the seabed of the western Indian Ocean as the result of volcanic activity. The islands: Grande Comore, Mohel, Anjouan and Mayotte, have distinct topographical characteristics due to their different ages. Mayotte, the oldest of the islands, is highly eroded with slow, meandering streams. Grande Comore, the youngest of the islands is dominated by a massive, active volcano. The other two islands are mountainous but have no active volcanic activity. The Comoro Islands once played a major role in the world economy of the western Indian Ocean. For centuries, they were a major stopover along the mercantile routes of the Indian Ocean from Africa to the Orient. The mountainous terrain on several of the islands creates a variety of habitats with diverse animal and plant species. Several species are unique to the Comoros. Livingstone's Flying Fox is one of several rare animals found on the islands, a fruit bat unique to the Comoros with a wing span that can exceed four feet. Several different kinds of insects and over a dozen bird species are also unique to the islands. Many are now being threatened with extinction. There is an abundance of life in the sea around the Comoros. One can find everything from giant whales, large sharks, big manta rays, sailfish, sunfish, to lobsters, crabs and tiny shrimp. Deep water close to the islands, coral reefs, miles of sandy beaches, plus fresh water streams and shoreline springs provide multiple habitats for the marine life.
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