Robert Louis Stevenson dropped by Abemama in 1889 and his wife designed a silly flag for the island (including a shark wearing a crown), which understandably was never used. The British placed the Kingdom of Abemama under their protection in 1892, and Abemamans were lucky enough to have their island declared a Crown Colony in 1911. It nearly became the post war capital, but Tarawa finally won out because of the easier access through its surrounding reef. War relics are still scattered over the island, and several villages are worth visiting, although none are geared up to take tourists. An unusual species of tiny yellow 'barking' frog is found here, most likely introduced from Tuvalu to keep the mosquito population in check. Abemama is about 80km (50mi) south-west of Tarawa, and you can get there by air or boat from Tarawa.