March 11, 2025
Press Release: New eDNA Tool Can Detect Invasive Rodents Within an Hour
New environmental DNA technology can help protect vulnerable island ecosystems from destructive invasive species.
BBC Wildlife Features the Release of Galápagos Land Iguanas On Santiago Island
BBC Wildlife shares the release of 1,436 Galápagos Land Iguanas by the Directorate of Galápagos National Park (DPNG) and Island Conservation.
After a 180 year absence, Galápagos Land Iguanas are once again roaming free on Santiago Island. These important seed-dispersers were last recorded on the island in 1838 by Abel du Petit-Thouars and by Charles Darwin in 1835. Since then, the only signs of these iguanas have been skeletal remains. The reintroduction is all part of an effort by the Directorate of Galápagos National Park (DPNG), Island Conservation, and Massey University in New Zealand to revive the native ecosystem.
Galápagos Land Iguanas were sourced from Seymour Norte Island where they had been introduced in the 1930s but due to a skyrocketing population have faced food scarcity. The iguanas were then held in captivity for almost four weeks in order to ensure no seeds in their guts were passed from Seymour Norte Island to Santiago Island. Now that the iguanas have been released, the DNPG and Massey University will begin monitoring the population and plan to introduce up to a total of 2,000 individuals.
Read more about the reintroduction at BBC Wildlife
Featured photo: A Galápagos Land Iguana. Credit: Island Conservation
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February 20, 2025
Press Release: Global Initiative Welcomes Three Iconic New Zealand Islands into the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
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New Paper Demonstrates Quality of eDNA Monitoring for Conservation
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December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
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November 22, 2024
Permanent Commission for the South Pacific and Island Conservation Sign MOU to Protect Marine and Coastal Areas in the Southeast Pacific (CPPS)
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Nukufetau Atoll Bolsters Pacific Conservation and Enhances Community Resilience by Removing Invasive Rats
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
November 12, 2024
Endangered Birds Return to Kamaka for First Time in 100+ Years!
Endangered Polynesian storm-petrels returning to Kamaka Island, French Polynesia within one month of social attraction tools being deployed. Polynesian storm-petrels have not been recorded on Kamaka Island for over 100 years due to invasive rats. These seabirds are able…
October 30, 2024
Island Conservation Unveils New Branding and Website to Support Global Island Restoration
Our new branding and website support our vision of a world filled with vibrant biodiversity, resilient oceans, and thriving island communities!
October 29, 2024
Disappearing Bird Species’ Nesting Debut on Desecheo NWR
Audubon's Shearwaters are nesting on Desecheo Island for the first time ever! Read about how we used social attraction to bring them home.