Dangerous animals in Tahiti

Tahiti, with its fine sandy beaches and its turquoise waters, is a dream destination. However, it is essential to know potentially dangerous animals during your stay. Here's what you need to know:

Venomous and/or dangerous marine animals

1. Stonefish

Le stone fish is officially the most venomous fish in the worldIt is found in the lagoon of Tahiti, where it blends in perfectly in corals or sand. Its dorsal fins are equipped withpoisonous thorns. If you are stung by a stonefish, The venom paralyzes muscles and attacks the nervous system. You feel a sharp pain, then one loss of consciousness. It is therefore better to wear beach shoes with hard soles to protect against this risk. Indeed, recovery is very long and most often requires hospitalization. So there really is something to be done spoil your stay ! To know emergency actions to be given in case of a bite, click here. And to leave with peace of mind with an effective antivenom pump, click there.

2. Moray eels

The moray, with their powerful jaws, can bite if they feel threatened. In addition to being painful, their bites can cause infections, the moray eel's oral hygiene is not exemplary. Word of a dentist... So avoid provoking them and respect their space, because the moray eel is not really aggressive when left alone. However, in the event of a bite, disinfect the wound and consult a doctor if any problems persist.

3. Stingrays

The stingrays have a tail with a poisonous sting. If you step on one of them, she can sting you. In case of a sting, it is necessary to carefully disinfect the wound and remove the sting or its fragments. The venom being thermolabile, therefore sensitive to heat, you will be able to reduce the effects by bringing a heat source close to the injury. The use of the flamethrower is nevertheless relatively inadvisable... However, these animals being extremely gentle and peaceful, he is excessively rare to suffer their wrath. You just have to be attentive when you walk in the water and enjoy the spectacle by watching them move with grace and voluptuousness.

4. Jellyfish

Some jellyfish present in Polynesian waters can cause painful stings. But we are easily aware of their presence because many come to wash up on the beach. It is also strongly recommended not to touch them even out of the water.. So don't play Crocodile Dundee and ask a local who will be able to tell you whether or not the species you are observing is venomous. And what's more, he will do it with that big smile that characterizes the Polynesian welcome. In case of a sting, rinse the wound with sea water et rub it with sand before consult a doctor or pharmacist.

5. Sharks

Even though shark attacks are very rare, it is important to be aware of their presence. The vast majority of sharks you will see in the lagoon are blacktip sharks to sleeper sharks. These sharks are not dangerous to humans.. Now, if you go diving out of the lagoon ou in a pass, you will be able come face to face with much less friendly species like hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, lemon sharks or worse, oceanic whitetip sharks which the Tahitians call "parata". It is therefore preferable for this type of diving to be supervised by professionals who know these animals and their behavior like the back of their hand.

6. Textile cones

Le textile cone is a gastropod mollusk which one must be wary of since its sting can be fatal. Better to know theidentifier to pay attention to it. Know that the vast majority of cones or shells that you will find in the lagoon are alive. Not touching any of them avoids any unpleasant surprises.. Also, be aware that some species of shellfish are protected in Polynesia and to take some in the lagoon could earn you very heavy fines. You will find here the list of shellfish, with animals et plants protected in French Polynesia.

7. Sea urchins

The sea ​​urchins have some poisonous thorns. Avoid stepping on it and wear water shoes with hard solesThis is also true in mainland France and anywhere else in the world.

7. Other Animals

Other marine animals, such as fire fish, sea ​​anemones, spiny starfish and sea ​​cucumbers, may also present risks. Be vigilant and find out about local speciess.

land animals

1. Wild Pigs

The wild pigs can be problematic. We can come across some during hikes. In general these animals are not aggressive and tend to flee from humans but cross a female who protects her young may turn out to be a bad encounter.

2. Stray dogs

The stray dogs represent a real danger in Tahiti that really needs to be taken seriously. These dogs often wander around pack and attacks are not uncommon. It is better to know this and go hiking or walking armed with a stick.

3. Centipedes or centipedes

The hundred feet are mainly found in the dayWithin gardens, but they have an unfortunate tendency to get into the maisons. Their sting is very painful. It can be compared to a sting. of wasp or bee. In case allergy for this kind of sting, it is necessary to quickly see a taote, the local doctor. At the time, disinfect, apply a few drops lavender essential oil et approach a heat source of the sting.