New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Restoring islands for nature and people worldwide.
Published on
November 23, 2016
Written by
Sara
Photo credit
Sara
Conservation projects to save native plants and animals are well-underway in the Galápagos.
The Galápagos Islands are renowned for their astonishing biodiversity and are famous for their essential part in the development of Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. But ever since human settlement, the Galápagos Islands have suffered ecological deterioration. Fortunately, lots of people are working hard to restore and protect these iconic islands.
Galápagos Conservation Trust’s magazine “Galápagos Matters” features conservation projects taking place on the islands and their surrounding waters. The 2016 Fall/Winter issue includes a piece by Island Conservation’s Galápagos Program Director Karl Campbell on the Floreana Restoration Project. Island Conservation is working closely with the Floreana Island local community to plan an invasive species removal project for their island. Invasive species present on the island threaten native plants and wildlife. In fact, the Critically Endangered Floreana Mockingbird, Floreana Racer (a snake), and 11 other species are no longer found on this island due to invasive species. Through invasive species removal, we can restore Floreana’s ecosystem and provide safe habitat for the return of the mockingbird, racer and other species. Karl Campbell commented:
Floreana has the highest concentration of species threatened by invasive mammals of any Galápagos Island, with 55 IUCN Red-Listed species present. It is a large, complex project, but the return on investment is huge and we’re forging a process that can be replicated on other inhabited islands. It’s really exciting.
The restoration of Floreana Island’s ecosystem will benefit not only native wildlife, but also the health, agricultural production, and tourism endeavors of the local community.
This is just one of many incredible projects being implemented in the Galápagos Islands. Learn more in Galápagos Matters
Featured photo: Floreana Island coastline. Credit: Paula Castano
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…
Island Conservation accepts cryptocurrency donations. Make an impact using your digital wallet today!
For Immediate Release Conservation powerhouse BirdLife South Africa has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC) – a global initiative aiming to restore, rewild and protect islands, oceans and communities – to support its work to save internationally significant albatross populations…
Video captures insights and hopes from the partners who are working to restore Lehua Island, Hawai’i. In 2021, Lehua Island officially became free from the threat of invasive rodents. This is a huge accomplishment that has enriched the region’s biodiversity…
Carolina Torres describes how the project to restore and rewild Floreana Island signals hope for a future where people and nature can thrive together in the Galápagos.
A new plan to restore seabird habitats in areas affected by the Deepwater Horizon disaster includes invasive species removal.