Richard Griffiths Presents: Ecosystem Recovery on Little Barrier Island

Published on

July 11, 2017

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richard

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On islands, invasive species removal offers major conservation gains, but to get the word out, more success stories must be told.

An international conference focused on the impacts and management of invasive alien species on islands is taking place at University of Dundee, Scotland July 10-14. We’re sharing research that will be presented by experts in the field. For more information visit the conference website. 

The notion that invasive species removal can benefit island biodiversity is growing. However, for the potential and value of this form of conservation intervention to be recognized and implemented more widely, more success stories need to be told. This study documents the short and long-term changes in the Little Barrier Island (Hauturu), New Zealand ecosystem following removal of invasive species. The rebound of Tuatara, New Zealand Storm Petrel, Forest Ringlet, and Chevron Skink represent just a few examples of native species benefiting from removal of vertebrate pests form islands.

island-conservation-preventing-extinctions-dundee-richard-new-zealand-storm-petrel
Once thought Extinct, New Zealand Storm-petrels were rediscovered breeding on Little Barrier/Hauturu-o-toi following invasive feral cat and rat eradication. Credit: Stephanie B. Borrelle/Island Conservation

Featured photo: Little Barrier Island. Credit: Jake Osborne

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