Island Conservation
Hawai’i’s native bird populations are struggling, with almost two-thirds of Hawaiian forest birds listed as Endangered or Threatened. The island of Hawai’i, otherwise known as the “Big Island,” has recently been in the news due to the eruption of Kilauea and the devastation this has brought to local ecosystems. However, the island’s ecosystems and biodiversity […]
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 […]
New Zealand’s plan to remove invasive predators by 2050 stands to benefit human health by eliminating pathways for disease transmission. New Zealand’s ambitious project to remove invasive predators by 2050 has raised hopes for and discussion about the island nation’s ecological health. Predator Free 2050 certainly stands to benefit native plants and wildlife, but it […]
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature outlines the connection between climate change and invasive species. What is an invasive species? Invasive alien species (IAS) are animals, plants or other organisms that are introduced into places outside their natural range, negatively impacting native biodiversity, ecosystem services or human well-being. IAS are one of the biggest causes of […]
Avian malaria puts Hawaiian honeycreeper populations at risk of extinction, but researchers believe genetics can play a crucial role in saving these threatened birds. Temperature rise on the Hawaiian Islands is shrinking safe habitat for native forest birds. The warmer climate is attracting invasive mosquitoes up into Hawaii’s mountain regions, the last habitat where native […]
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 Island residents and native species are on the frontlines of climate change impacts, and this conservation intervention can be life-changing for today’s most vulnerable communities and ecosystems. You’re likely familiar […]
The future is uncertain for Earth’s incredible island worlds. By: Dr. Vivien Cumming The Earth is a blue planet with oceans covering over 70 percent of Earth’s surface. Out there alone, in the middle of these vast oceans, stand islands – havens for life on Earth. Standing alone in the middle of the ocean, there is […]
Introduced species and climate change are threatening Kaua’i’s native Honeycreepers with extinction; the once noisy forest is falling quiet. When conjuring an image of Hawai’i, many people think of beautiful sandy beaches with tall palm trees overhead. But there is more to Hawai’i, and some of the islands’ habitats holds a starkly different reality. The […]
Restoration of Lehua Island could result in alternative habitat for seabirds whose nesting sites are threatened by sea level rise. Islands are sentinels for sea level change. Because of their small size and often remote locations, the consequences of sea level rise manifest quickly on islands. Because the stakes are so high and the consequences of sea […]
A tsunami strikes Hawaiian islands with globally important seabird species; scientists can study its effects to better understand imminent ecological threats presented by sea level rise. Earthquake-generated tsunamis can cause sudden flooding in coastal areas and islands. Damage to human health and infrastructure caused by past tsunamis is well-documented–but what happens to the affected region’s […]