Island Conservation
Endemic birds are thriving on Lord Howe Island after the Island’s biggest conservation project, removing invasive mice and rats. An estimated 150,000 rats and 210,000 mice were found on Lord Howe Island, until the largest project of its kind on an inhabited island took place. This Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits near […]
Experts in conservation, park management, and invasive species have released a study identifying the threat invasive species pose to US National Parks and the steps necessary to prevent and control the spread of non-native species. More than half of America’s national parks are facing a grave and immediate threat: the ongoing presence and spread of […]
Island Conservation’s Paula Castaño shares her experience trapping and tracking Galápagos Short-eared Owls to learn their flight and behavior patterns in preparation for restoring Floreana Island. The Galápagos Islands are famously known as the Enchanted Isles due to the treacherous currents and swirling mists that often cause the islands to disappear right in front of your eyes. […]
As invasive lionfish reach uncontrollable depths in the Atlantic, conservationists turn towards technology to control the population. The problem began in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew washed an aquarium tank out to sea, releasing six lionfish into Biscayne Bay. Since then, the invasive Atlantic population has grown exponentially, threatening the native marine ecosystem. Lionfish lay on […]
Ecosystems around the world are at risk due to the spread of invasive species, it is our job to protect them by taking personal biosecurity precautions. Each ecosystem is comprised of a unique set of species: plant, fungi, insect, bird, and the list goes on. Introducing species from other parts of the world that don’t […]
New scientific evidence highlights the correlation between islands with large seabird colonies and increased coral reef growth rates. While scientists have long known that seabird presence is necessary for supporting marine ecosystem health, no previous study had looked at the effects of seabird nutrients on coral growth rates. A collaborative research effort brings to light […]
New research demonstrates how field work and climate change mitigation can lend a hand to ecosystem resiliency and conservation. Building ecosystem resiliency on islands is a crucial aspect of protecting the biodiversity contained within these wild places from both climate change as well as invasive species. There have been many climate studies that have explored […]
For almost 25 years, Island Conservation’s work has been a bright spot that provides a touch of hope for endangered island wildlife. Islands are home to almost half of the world’s highly threatened species, most of which are threatened in part by invasive species. Luckily, there is hope. Over the past almost 25 years, Island […]
Island Conservation staff and board members contribute to a formal comment published in PLOS One to emphasize the importance of separating native and non-native species in global biodiversity assessments. Recent global efforts in biodiversity accounting, such as those undertaken through the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), are vital […]
As Island Conservation approaches our 25th year of impact in 2019, it is clear that the future of island restoration requires breakthroughs and innovation to prevent further biodiversity loss. By: Karen Poiani By all counts, we are on the verge of a mass extinction crisis with detrimental and lasting consequences for our planet and future generations. […]