United Nations—Protecting the High Seas and Seabirds
The United Nations negotiates the first-ever high seas conservation treaty to protect marine ecosystems and minimize risk to migrating seabirds including albatross. Only 5% of... Read More
OPERATION PALAU PARTNERS
The Republic of Palau is biologically and culturally rich. The country’s exceptional wildlife assemblage includes twelve bird species found nowhere else in the world and a phenomenal diversity of marine life, including sea snakes and 700 coral species. Diverse and unique ecosystems including marine lakes full of jellyfish, limestone forests, sea grass beds, and mangrove stands all contribute to the biological wealth of the region.
Palauans have long shared the land and waters with native plants and wildlife. In Palauan society, reciprocity and respect are important values not only between community members, but also between the community as a whole and the natural environment.
However, the presence of introduced, damaging (invasive) species puts Palau’s forests and wildlife at risk of extinction and threatens human livelihoods. Removing these invasive species will protect Palau’s biodiversity and support the local industries that are steeped in traditions that support the balances of nature.
OPERATION PALAU STAFF
Richard Griffiths
Jason Zito
Tommy Hall
PROJECT MISSION
To protect local livelihoods and biodiversity in Palau.
PROJECT VISION
Palau’s native island species are flourishing, resulting in healthy, restored ecosystems. In balance with the natural world, Palauan culture and livehoods are safeguarded and thriving.
THE PROBLEM
Invasive species, such as introduced rats, are destroying Palau’s unique plants and animals, the security of food supplies, tourism resources, and the Rock Islands World Heritage Site.
THE SOLUTION
The Koror State Government Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement (DCLE), Island Conservation, and others are partnering to restore islands in Palau by removing invasive rats. In 2017, we removed invasive rats from Ngeanges Island to protect native species like the Micronesian Megapode. In 2018, Island Conservation, in partnership with the Kayangel community, Palau Conservation Society, BirdLife International, and Kayangel State Government, removed invasive rats from Kayangel Island. The island is already showing signs of recovering, with crops once again thriving.
SAVING PALAU’S EXTRAORDINARY SPECIES
CROP DESTRUCTION : Invasive rats cause severe damage to important crops in Palau, such as corn (maize) and taro, by devouring them before they can be harvested. The loss of crops results in a decline in revenue, preparation of traditional meals, and is forcing many women out of their traditional and important cultural role as farmers.
© Erik Oberg / Island Conservation
PALAU FLYING FOX : The Palau Flying Fox (Pteropus pelewensis) is found in Palau and nowhere else on Earth. Not only is this fruit bat critical to the health of the region’s island ecosystems, but it is also a popular feature in traditional Palauan cuisine. The Palau Flying Fox depends on intact native forests to thrive.
(c) Jim Skovrider
© Tommy Hall / Island Conservation
MICRONESIAN MEGAPODE The Endangered Micronesian Megapode (Megapodius laperouse) uses its large, powerful feet to build giant nest mounds on the forest floor where they lay their eggs. When the chicks hatch, they dig their way out of the mound and must fend for themselves; they are highly vulnerable to invasive predators such as rats.
© Silke Baron
HAWKSBILL SEA TURTLE The Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) is a migratory species that is listed as Critically Endangered. Hawksbill Sea Turtles lay their eggs on sandy beaches. When they hatch, they are highly vulnerable to invasive rats and feral cats. Removing invasive species from Palau will help support successful reproduction and survival of Hawksbill Sea Turtles.
Palau Archipelago Latest News
The latest news aboutthe Palau Archipelago from Island Conservation's blog
Conservation and Ecosystem Recovery on Ngeanges Island, Palau
Island Conservation’s Palau Program Manager, Loyola Darius, shares the story of recovery on Ngeanges Island and Kayangel Atoll after the removal of invasive rats. Alice:... Read More
2018 in Review – Important Moments and Successes in Conservation
As 2018 comes to an end, here are just few of the top stories and accomplishments Island Conservation, our supporters, partners, and friends were talking... Read More
Press Release: Historic Project to Protect Palau’s Iconic Species Declared Successful
Free from invasive rats, native plants and animals on Ngeanges are on a path to recovery. Native plants and animals on Ngeanges can now thrive... Read More
Children of Palau Design Pledge for Ecological Responsibility
The children of Palau have designed a pledge to promote ecological responsibility among locals and visitors. The pledge is the first-of-its kind in terms of... Read More
International Team Removes Invasive Rats to Protect Food Supplies, Livelihoods, and Native Wildlife on Tropical Pacific Island
If successful, this will be the first inhabited island within Palau to be cleared of rats. For Release May 8, 2018 Contact: Sally Esposito, Island... Read More
Through the Vines and Trees of Kayangel, Palau
Island Conservation Project Manager Tommy Hall tells the tangly tale of forest navigation and wildlife seeking on the island of Kayangel, Palau. By: Tommy Hall... Read More
Nocturnal Fieldwork & Crocodile Hunting in Palau
Island Conservation Project Manager Tommy Hall invites you on a nocturnal search for illicit rodents on Ngarebelas, Palau. By: Tommy Hall Tonight we’re headed over... Read More
Conservation Successes of 2017
2017 was a year filled with successes in conservation. Listed here are just a few of the accomplishments Island Conservation, our supporters, partners, and friends... Read More
A Skillful Approach to Kayangel, Palau
Island Conservation Project Manager Tommy Hall invites you into the tropical, day-to-day fieldwork on Kayangel, Palau. By: Tommy Hall The only way to get to... Read More
The Approach to Climate Change Resilience You Hadn’t Thought Of
There’s a powerful way to support wildlife and communities facing climate change impacts, but not many people are talking about it yet. By: Ray Nias... Read More
Interview with Ungilreng Takawo, Matriarch of Kayangel, Palau
Former Palau Program Manager Joyce Beouch interviews Ungilreng Takawo, Kayangel matriarch about traditional practices and sacred laws. Palau is a matrilineal society and traditional titles... Read More
Tiny Kayangel, Palau: Window on a Restored Future for Planet Earth and Humankind?
Revitalization News covers a cross-cultural inquiry and reflection by Island Conservation Communications Specialist Sara Kaiser into Kayangel’s sustainable ways of life and how Palauan perspectives... Read More
To Succeed, Large Ocean Sanctuaries Need to Benefit Both Sea Life and People
Researchers delve into the pros and cons of large marine protected areas and how they can benefit both people and the environment in nations such... Read More
A Fulfilling Quest to Protect Kayangel’s Biodiversity
The project to restore Kayangel stands to benefit incredible wildlife and local community. By: Richard Griffiths and Tommy Hall As Island Conservation Project Directors, we work... Read More
Legends, Stories, and Lessons from Palau
Former Palau Program Manager Joyce Beouch explains how stories and legends have shaped Palauans’ relationships with nature and how today, what were once deeply-embedded values... Read More
Palau: Every Shade of Blue and Green I’ve Ever Seen
Island Restoration Specialist Jason Zito shares his enriching encounters with people and nature while conducting fieldwork in Palau. By: Jason Zito I have a confession:... Read More
Palau: Unlike Any Other Place On Earth
Welcome to Palau, an island nation unlike anywhere else on Earth. By: Sara Kaiser Palau is a biologically and culturally rich nation. The region’s unique... Read More
Job Opening: Palau Program Manager
Island Conservation has a job opening for Palau Program Manager. Position Title: Palau Program Manager Employment Type: Full Time Position Purpose of the Role: To... Read More
Restoration Allows Megapodes to Return Home
Palauan megapodes are returned to their home on the island of Ngeanges following a restoration project. By: Tommy Hall The first ever successful captive holding... Read More
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