Island Conservation
The genome of the Extinct-in-the-Wild Hawaiian Crow, ‘Alalā, has been sequenced to aid scientists in conservation efforts. Many native Hawaiian plants, especially those in dry forests, rely on the crow for seed dispersal and germination. Tree heliotrope, Heliotropium foertherianum, Hawaii native plant. Photo by Island Conservation Facing increased threats from invasive species and disease, loss of […]
A recent study finds invasive alien species to be the second-biggest cause of extinctions. A 2015 publication states that invasive alien species are the leading cause of extinctions on islands and globally (Tershy et al, 2015). Whether they are identified as the #1 or #2 cause of extinctions, the bottom line is: invasive alien species are […]
“Cu Rua,” the Critically Endangered Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle, was over 100 years old when he died in Late January. He left behind only three individuals of the Yangtze species. The Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle is revered in its native home, Vietnam. To see one is considered good luck. The cultural significance held by the turtle in Vietnam is […]
The Green Sea Turtle is making a comeback! This endangered species had a successful year of breeding in 2015 at Florida’s Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. Researchers found 14,152 nests at the end of the egg-laying season. Since green sea turtles lay around 75 to 200 eggs per nest, the season may have produced as […]
From 22 to 235 individuals in the wild! Our spirits soar with the news of California Condors rebounding from the brink of extinction. These enormous scavengers clean up the remains of animal carcasses. Declines in prey populations and habitat loss contribute to this species status as Critically Endangered. They are also threatened by potential poisoning […]
Giant insects-“Tree Lobsters”-of Lord Howe Island were once thought to be extinct. The island had been overrun with rats that disturbed the native species. But after two climbers identified evidence of the Tree Lobster on a volcanic feature near the island, scientists set to searching. And there, spread out on the bushy surface, were two […]
Hawaii is very rich in biodiversity, however, many of the island’s native species face a myriad of threats. Invasive species and habitat destruction via recreation are only two examples. The main Hawaii islands have 481 of the 1,225 endangered species on the nationwide list, according to federal officials. Hawaiian native flora. Photo by Island Conservation […]