cool and humid in the mountainous regions, with frequent and abundant rainfall. Flora The flora of Ua Pou is relatively poor in species compared to the other large islands of the Marquesas (Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa). Only 90 native species - 2 of them endemic - and 71 exotic species have been recorded. However, this may be related to the insufficient number of specimens collected so far; the steep and inaccessible peaks have prevented any systematic botanical study for the time being. The formation of the flora is strongly influenced by the trade winds, which contribute to lower temperatures and provide abundant rainfall. The coastal zones of the incised valleys have exuberant vegetation up to medium altitudes, although centuries of human settlement and intensive cultivation have considerably reduced the number of native plants, giving preponderance to anthropochorous plants. In the intermediate regions, arid or semi-arid native plant communities predominate. In the high summits, low-growing shrubs predominate, mostly metrosideros. In the north, shaded from the wind and rain of the mountains, there are larger arid zones. Fauna The fauna of the Marquesas Islands is species-poor and is limited to land and sea birds, insects, butterflies and spiders. The island is named after a genus of canopy spider (Linyphiidae) that is endemic to Ua Pou. There are no animals that are dangerous to humans. Nono flies, a type of black fly, which appear in the interior, are usually extremely unpleasant. In a bay separated from Hakahau by a peninsula (Anahoa Beach), green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) lay their eggs. Unfortunately, this area is not yet protected, it is the most attractive bathing beach on the island. Administration Administratively Ua Pou forms the commune (municipality) of Ua-Pou, part of the administrative subdivision of the Marquesas Islands. This commune consists solely of the island of Ua Pou and its offshore rocks. Ua-Pou consists of the following associated communes: Hakahau Hakamaii The administrative center of the commune is the settlement of Hakahau, located within the associated commune of Hakahau, on the north-eastern shore of the island. Infrastructure In the main village of Hakahau there is a medical center, a national Gendarmerie station, the port authority, some small stores, a bank, a post office (with satellite telephone), some private pensions, restaurants, a Catholic and a Protestant church, a school with preschool (école maternelle et primaire) and a secondary school (collège). The villages are connected by