Island Conservation
Scientific assessments confirm the need for biodiversity conservation around the world to protect life on Earth. Reports show that biodiversity continues to decline in every region of the world. Loss of biodiversity undermines nature’s ability to ensure quality of life everywhere. Actions to safeguard biodiversity are being undertaken, but more are needed. IPBES regional assessment […]
Hybridization between invasive Green Iguanas and native Little Cayman Island rock iguana takes scientists by surprise and indicates a heightened risk for rare island iguanas. By: Sara Kaiser What happens when a native iguana and an invasive iguana meet, and kind of like each other? According to new research published in the scientific journal Biological […]
GIS and Data Program Manager David Will outlines the challenges posed by conservation data collection and calls for innovative solutions to expediate this crucial component of preventing extinctions. By: David Will Imagine you are on a remote island fighting your way through thick bushes in search of footprints the size of quarter – but hoping […]
Islands are biodiversity hotspots, but also extinction epicenters. Fortunately, there is a way to protect these vibrant ecosystems. Islands are home to a great diversity of rare and endemic species. With the advent of global travel, humans have spread around the world, ventured into these sensitive ecosystems, and in many cases, have introduced species that […]
Australia is known for its unique ecosystems that support an array of wildlife. However, over 1,800 plant, animal, and ecological communities in the region face extinction right now. Two years ago, the Bramble Cay Melomys was the first mammal to go extinct as a direct result of climate change. Perhaps this extinction could have been […]
Invasive species damage ecosystems, economies, agriculture, and human health. You can apply these simple recommendations to help stop the dispersal of invasive species. 1. Care for your pets Many invasive species have been traced back to releases of pets into the wild. Only adopt a pet if you are confident you can take care of […]
Invasive species are the cause of the majority of all recorded extinctions that have occurred on islands. Why do these species cause so much damage to native ecosystems? What is an Invasive Alien Species (IAS)? According to the Convention on Biological Diversity an Invasive Alien Species is a “species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past […]
After 18 long months, the wait is finally over. A team is heading back to Antipodes Island to discover the outcome of the Million Dollar Mouse project. Million Dollar Mouse is one of the largest-ever attempts to eradicate mice anywhere in the world. Mice can be voracious predators, and with Antipodes Island being internationally recognised […]
A number of biologists have recently made the argument that extinction is part of evolution and that saving species need not be a conservation priority. But this revisionist thinking shows a lack of understanding of evolution and an ignorance of the natural world. By: Carl Safina A few years ago, I helped lead a ship-based expedition along […]
Seychelles Cousin Island has been an important nature reserve for 50 years and has helped save an endemic warbler from extinction. Seychelles Cousin Island is celebrating its 50th year anniversary since its designation as a nature reserve. Cousin Island is a small granitic island lying a little over a mile west of Praslin, which is […]