Island Conservation
The New York Times features the impact climate change will have on the species that inspired Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Off the coast of Ecuador lies an archipelago best known for the unique species that inspired Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The Galápagos Islands are perfectly situated on the equator, but the Humboldt current brings cold, […]
As climate change progresses, researchers are concerned about the impacts severe weather events will have on islands, but there is hope. In the North Pacific Ocean, about 1,600 miles from the main islands of Hawaii, a low pressure system gave rise to a tropical storm. Over the next week the storm gradually strengthened then quickly […]
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 […]