Research on NewCaledonian terrestrialfauna: achievements andprospects

This paper summarizes what is known about the New Caledonian terrestrial fauna and dis­ cusses opinions on its nature and origins. An overview of relations with neighbouring areas points out links with New Zealand and southern faunas for many ancient or non-mobile indicators, whereas many recent, or mobile indicators, give evidence of Austra­ lian or Oriental influences through the Inner Melane­ sian Arc. It seems that the uniqueness of the fauna, and its old original basis, have been frequently under-