Palmyra Atoll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Palmyra Atoll Territory
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| Etymology: Greek: Παλμύρα | |||
| Anthem: "The Star-Spangled Banner" | |||
Map of Palmyra Atoll
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 Palmyra Atoll Territory
Location in Kiribati
Palmyra Atoll Territory
Location in North Pacific
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| Country |  United States |
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| Status | Unorganized, incorporated territory | ||
| Annexed by the U.S. | June 14, 1900 | ||
| Named for | American trading ship USS Palmyra | ||
| Government | |||
| • Type | Administered as a National Wildlife Refuge | ||
| • Body | United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior | ||
| Population
(2019)
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| • Total | 4–20 staff and scientists | ||
| Temporary researchers | |||
| Time zone | UTC−11 (Samoa Time Zone) | ||
| Geocode | 127 | ||
| ISO 3166 code | UM | ||
| Currency | US dollar (USD) | ||
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IUCN Category Ia (Strict Nature Reserve)
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| Designated | 2001 | ||
| Official name: Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge | |||
| Designated: | April 1, 2011 | ||
| Reference #: | 1971 | ||
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Palmyra Atoll is a small island in the North Pacific Ocean. It's a special place because no one lives there permanently. Instead, a small group of 4 to 20 scientists and staff stay there temporarily. The United States manages Palmyra Atoll as a nature reserve. It is officially called the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
In 2005, a team of scientists from all over the world started to build a research station on the island. They wanted to study the amazing environment of the island.
About Palmyra Atoll
Palmyra Atoll is a group of small islands. These islands are part of the United States Minor Outlying Islands. It is an "unorganized, incorporated territory" of the U.S. This means it belongs to the U.S. and follows its laws, but it doesn't have a local government.
The atoll was named after an American trading ship. This ship, called the USS Palmyra, visited the area a long time ago. The U.S. officially took control of the atoll on June 14, 1900.
A Home for Wildlife
Palmyra Atoll is mostly known as a National Wildlife Refuge. This means it's a protected area for animals and plants. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service takes care of it. They work to keep the natural environment safe and healthy.
The atoll is a very important place for many types of wildlife. It has beautiful coral reefs and many different kinds of birds. It's also a safe place for Green turtles to live and lay their eggs.
Studying the Environment
Scientists come to Palmyra Atoll to learn about nature. They study the ocean, the land, and the animals. Their research helps us understand how to protect similar places around the world.
The atoll is like a living laboratory. Researchers can see how different plants and animals interact. They also study how climate change might affect these delicate island ecosystems.
Images for kids
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Palmyra Atoll – NOAA Nautical Chart (1:47,500)
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Orthographic projection over Palmyra Atoll
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Welcome sign for Palmyra Atoll, June 2005
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Palmyra's North Beach
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Palmyra Atoll viewed from the northwest, 2011
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Green sea turtle at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
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Coral reef at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
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Tallest Pisonia grandis tree at Palmyra, with Henry E. Cooper in 1913
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Palmyra Atoll, 2010 satellite image
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Coconut palms on Strawn Island at Palmyra Atoll
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See also
In Spanish: Atolón Palmyra para niños
