31/08/2025
Fiji Fun Fact:
đThe Sound of Fijiâs Ancient Forests â The Nanai Retun
If youâve ever wandered through Fijiâs forests during the wet season and heard the air suddenly come alive with a loud, almost electric chorus⊠youâve met the Nanai.
Known scientifically as Raiateana knowlesi, these extraordinary cicadas are one of the most unique natural wonders of Fiji. Unlike ordinary insects, the Nanai spend years hidden underground, patiently growing and waiting. Then, in perfect rhythm with the land and seasons, they rise from the earth in swarms â filling the skies, forests, and villages with their unmistakable sound.
đż Why they matter:
The Nanai are not just insects â they are timekeepers of the land, signaling deep seasonal change.
Their presence is tied to indigenous knowledge systems, reminding us that nature has its own calendar, older than any clock or phone.
Their life cycle â hidden, patient, then powerful â mirrors the strength of Fijian resilience and identity.
đș A delicacy & tradition
For generations, Nanai have also been gathered as food, considered a delicacy rich in flavor and protein. Their short-lived return is not only a feast for the ears but sometimes a feast for the table, woven into the story of how Fijians live in balance with nature.
đ Next time you hear the forest singing loud with Nanai, pause and remember: you are listening to a voice that has echoed through Fiji for centuries â a song of nature, culture, and identity.
They are due to make an appearance this month....... exciting times.