Island Conservation
Conservationists are systematically surveying atolls in search of invasive and native ant species. Ants are some of the best hitchhikers in the world. – Conservation biologist Dr. James Russell In an age of increasing globalization and mobilization, transportation of invasive species–intentional or not–has become an urgent problem. Even the smallest of invasives can cause profound […]
Habitat set aside for the Critically Endangered Rock Iguana came under threat by plans for development. Thanks to incredible efforts, the region has been saved and will support the iguanas. Once common in Jamaica, this iguana is now among the most endangered species in the world. And without the hard work of many conservationists, it […]
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands appoints Indigena Biosecurity International to deliver a five year non-native plant management project. The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), Antarctica, announced that a project to remove invasive plants in the region is underway. The project will be carried out by Indigena […]
Wētā are giant insects that live in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. There are many subspecies of Wētā; these can be found in trees, lowlands, caves, sand dunes, and soil. They look similar to grasshoppers, except for the obvious difference in size. New Zealand’s indigenous people, Maori, call Wētā “punga,” meaning the “spirit of […]
The polarized New Zealand Alpine Parrot, “Kea”, faces extinction due to invasive species and other threats. Kea are one of the most maligned of New Zealand birds, as well as one of our most loved. -Tamsin Orr-Walker, chair of the Kea Conservation Trust The New Zealand Kea (Nestor notabilis), ranked Vulnerable by the International Union […]
Island Conservation’s co-founder Bernie Tershy reflects on how island restoration programs serve to protect biodiversity and prevent extinctions. An uninterrupted stream of bad news about the environment reminds us that we are in the midst of an extinction crisis, which can leave us overwhelmed with hopelessness. But, hope is not as scarce as you might […]
The Critically Endangered Lord Howe Island Stick Insect, once believed to be extinct, is being successfully bred in captivity. The Lord Howe Stick Insect or “Tree Lobster” faced near-extinction when invasive black rats arrived on Lord Howe Island off of Australia. Due to the presence of invasive rats, Lord Howe Island was depleted of its native […]
Hawai’i’s iconic Honeycreepers face a number of threats. To avoid extinction, these beautiful native birds are in need of immediate conservation intervention. Bright red wings streak across a grey sky. Yellow feathers flash amid quivering green leaves. Soft songs punctuated by raspy cheeps rise up from trees swathed in the dawn’s faint light. Long, narrow bills plunge […]
Research discovers that Diego the Giant Tortoise has helped to save his species from extinction by fathering hundreds of baby tortoises. All was well with Espanola Giant Tortoises (Chelonoidis hoodensis) in the Galápagos–until invasive rats were introduced by pirates and infiltrated the island ecosystem. The presence of rats made reproduction extremely difficult and often unsuccessful […]
Invasive species degrade island ecosystems and threaten local and global biodiversity. This year, the World Conservation Congress was held in Hawaii. Hawaii is a biodiversity hotspot desperately in need of conservation measures. Its plants and wildlife have become severely threatened by invasive species brought to the island by people. Of the 415 endemic species assessed for […]