Island Conservation
Native species are returning to the Outer Hebrides following a 17 year project to eradicate the invasive American Mink. The Outer Hebrides are made up off 119 islands located off the west coast of Scotland. These islands are teeming with breathtaking wildlife that seems as if it is one of the last untouched landscapes in […]
New research identifies the direct benefits to coral reef ecosystems and communities after invasive rat removal on islands. By: Emily Heber Islands only make up approximately 5% of the earth’s land mass but they are home to 20% of the world’s biodiversity and 41% of the world’s Critically Endangered and Endangered species. Invasive species are […]
New Zealand’s goal to become Predator Free by 2050 is underway, and one of the first places to benefit from restoration efforts will be Auckland Island. Invasive predators have devastated wildlife and plants on the island. They were introduced to the island from expeditions and shipwrecks and since arriving, the invasive mice, feral cats, and […]
An invasive toxic toad has made its way onto Madagascar and has the potential to devastate local ecosystems and biodiversity. The Asian Common Toad has recently made its way to Madagascar. This breach jeopardizes the safety of all native island predators that will eat the invasive toad. When the toad feels threatened they secrete a […]
According to a new report led by Predator Free New Zealand Trust, community conservation needs clear objectives and a firm support structure in place to keep volunteers engaged and inspired. Researcher Dr. Marie Brown from the Catalyst group, an environmental management consultancy, recently published a report that highlights the need for stronger support structures for […]
Scientists discover smallest island where mammal species can speciate, lending insight into how evolution works on islands. Madagascar has several species of lemurs, Australia has multiple kangaroo species, and the Galápagos has the world’s only ocean-diving iguana. When animals are isolated on an island, they evolve differently than they do on mainlands, giving rise to […]
One of the world’s most isolated locations, the Kerguelen Islands, has been infiltrated by invasive rabbits. The Kerguelen Islands, also known as the Desolation Islands, are a remote cluster of islands in the Southern Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Antarctica. It is one of the most isolated places on Earth, with only a few dozen […]
Biodiversity has far-reaching impacts on the vitality of people and the planet but what is it and what impact does it have on islands? What is biological diversity? Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on earth–every individual organism, species, and kingdom, from the smallest spec of bacteria to the enormous whales in […]
The Sable Island endemic Sweat Bee is threatened. Conservationists hurry to understand this small species better before a crucial pollinator is lost. The Sable Island Sweat Bee is a tiny ant-sized bee that many people may find unimportant. However, researchers have taken notice of its threatened status due to its sole habitat being Sable Island, […]
Humboldt Archipelago in Chile has been deemed a Hope Spot! International non-profit Mission Blue has officially declared the Humboldt Archipelago as a Hope Spot. This recognizes the area as one of the most ecologically diverse and biologically important regions along the Chilean Coast. This ecosystem supports important species such as the IUCN Vulnerable Humboldt Penguin and the IUCN Endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel. […]