Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.), Middle Anacapa Island, Channel Islands, California.
Where We Work
Islands are key to the conservation of biodiversity because they -
  1. have exceptionally high numbers of endemic species, comprising only 3% of the earth's surface but housing 15% of the bird, reptile and plant species (Whitaker 2000); and,
  2. are critical habitats for important marine predators and herbivores (seabirds, pinnipeds, and sea turtles).
Unfortunately, the wealth of biodiversity found on islands is extremely vulnerable to human-caused extinctions. Since 1600, 80-90% of bird and reptile extinctions and more than 50% of plant and mammal extinctions have been of island species. The main cause of these extinctions is introduced invasive species such as rats, cats, pigs and goats. This makes islands a tremendous conservation opportunity because introduced species can be removed, after which endangered island species and whole island ecosystems can recover.

Click here to view an interactive map of our target islands in northwest Mexico.


















Point to an island name to learn more. Back to top. Los Coronado: Home to the world's largest Xantus' murrelet (Synthliborampus hypoleucus scrippsi) breeding colony. Todos Santos: These islands have historically supported large marine bird colonies. Recent conservation efforts by Island Conservation should allow these populations to increase once again. San Martin: Formerly home to the world's largest crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) colony. Conservation efforts are now allowing the colony a chance for recovery. San Jeronimo: This island supports a globally-significant Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) breeding colony which had been heavily impacted by guano mining. Efforts by Island Conservation to stop the mining have now successfully protected the colony. Guadalupe: Guadalupe supports globally significant colonies of numerous seabirds, including Laysan albatross (Diomedea immutablis) and is home to a number of endemic species, including two storm petrels and 34 plants. Over the last 200 years, the island has also seen 5 known bird extinctions and 5 known plant extinctions. Island Conservation is currently undertaking multiple efforts to protect and restore the island. San Jorge: Supports populations of Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) and sea lions. San Benito: These islands support the largest and most diverse marine bird colony in the California Current. Natividad: This island supports 95% of the global population of Black-vented Shearwater (Puffinus opisthomelas). San Roque: This island has some of the most heavily-impacted seabird colonies in the region and one of the highest rates of extirpations from introduced species. Asuncion: In January, 2004, Island Conservation documented the first breeding of Cassin's auklet (Ptychoramphus aleuticus) on Asuncion in thirty years. Our work to eradicate introduced species from the island led to this conservation success. San Francisquito Espiritu Santo Islas Marias: These islands are home to a number of endemic small mammals. Island Conservation has recently undertaken collaborative efforts to assess the island for conservation action. Socorro: Research on introduced species has shown that the runoff caused by overgrazing from introduced species can measurably impact coral reefs. In addition to off-shore impacts, the Socorro mockingbird and Townsend's shearwater are both threatened by introduced mammals. Clarion: Green sea turtles, Laysan albatross, and Red-footed boobies all rely on Clarion island for breeding and habitat. Island Conservation is working to protect the island by addressing introduced species impacts. Mejia Estanque Montserrat Catalana: This island is home to the rattleless rattlesnake, which has been impacted by introduced species on the island. La Partida Coronados .