Tetamanu

Tetamanu is a small island located in the Pacific Ocean, part of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. It is situated within the Atiu district, roughly 1.5 kilometers off the southeastern coast of its closest neighbor, Taravai.

The island has a length of approximately 3 kilometers and a total area of approximately 1.4 square kilometers. It is reported to be uninhabited as of public data. Tetamanu's height is significant, with the island's highest point reaching about 55 meters above sea level.

Given its isolation from other atolls and islands in the region, Tetamanu has a natural secluded ecosystem, distinguished by an abundance of biodiversity. Coral and vegetation have gradually developed without significant human interference in recent centuries. Consequently, the ecosystem maintains an exceptionally high level of originalation and the biodiversity found there remains unique.

A small islet, Pakau, stands next to the larger Tuai, but consists of scattered reef rocks at the atoll's tip and islands. Despite its isolated location, there is ongoing research and interest in preserving Tetamanu. This is mainly driven by the researchers' desire to preserve the last remaining representatives of native Polynesian ngatu and reef dispersal entomobrya families from historical climates; however, it is unclear to what extent these ongoing efforts may directly influence the ecosystem's development.

The name of the island originates from the local Rarakaiteetea language, used in French Polynesia. Research on the Oswulu languages is an on-going effort that seeks to understand and learn more about the relatively uncatalogued Raraka language specificities.