Flora of Rongelap and Ailinginae Atolls, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Rongelap and Ailinginae atolls are best known as the home of Rongelap islanders who were displaced following exposure to nuclear radiation in 1954. As a result, the atolls have experienced various levels of habitation in the last fifty years. Consequently, a thorough survey of the flora of the atolls has not been undertaken since William Randolph Taylor visited the area in 1946 prior to the nuclear tests in the area. Our chief research objectives were to document the terrestrial vascular plant species richness of both Rongelap and Ailinginae atolls and to provide baseline data on distribution between islets within the atolls. The flora of the atolls was investigated using transect methodologies and plant checklist surveys. Sixty-three vascular plant species were found on Rongelap atoll and 29 species were identified on Ailinginae atoll. The repatriation of the Rongelap community provides a wonderful opportunity for future research examining changes in species diversity and abundance throughout and following construction within the atoll. Taylor's work provided a snapshot of the flora of Rongelap prior to the changes invoked by nuclear testing and the evacuation of the community. This work provides a baseline of data (prior to the construction of most of the community) that we hope others will build upon by examining both terrestrial and marine species.