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
April 22, 2019
Written by
kpoiani
Photo credit
kpoiani
Read the original article at the Sydney Morning Herald
The global decline of species is a serious concern, but on islands, loss of biodiversity is a result of invasive species. Invasive species, introduced to islands over the centuries, now threaten wildlife through predation, the introduction of diseases, and changes in the ecosystem.
The methods that we have available today to remove invasive species and restore islands have been proven to help prevent extinctions of island wildlife, but these also have limitations. Overall these methods can only benefit approximately 15% of the islands where invasive species threaten native wildlife.
To continue saving species, we need new solutions including genetic modification. Gene drives are one of the many possible ways we can help prevent extinctions—introducing a genetically modified rodent with a gene that only produces male offspring can move through the population until they can no longer reproduce.
As with all new technologies, genetic modification needs to be approached with caution to ensure the highest standards of ethics are upheld and to protect against any potential risks. In order to do this, more research needs to be conducted to better understand both the benefits and risks the technology could pose.
Read the original article here: Sydney Morning Herald
Featured photo: A Lord Howe Woodhen walking down a path. Credit:
Patrick Kavanagh
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