Island Conservation
Islands are biodiversity hotspots, yet the decline of island species is more rapid than anywhere else in the world. Island species have evolved over thousands of years in isolation, leading to a high proportion of island-endemic (found nowhere else in the world) species. These animals have often evolved without predators and therefore without defensive mechanisms […]
Critically Endangered Southern Corroboree Frog averts extinction with the release of 1000 captive-bred eggs into critical habitat. Conservationists are hopeful the release will help wild populations to recover. High in the sub-alpine bogs of the Snowy Mountains lives one of Australia’s most striking and rare species, the Southern Corroboree Frog. This poisonous frog is endemic […]
The population of the Lesser Antillean Iguana has declined by over 70% since European contact, an alarming rate that puts the species closer to extinction. The Caribbean is known for idyllic beaches and lush palm trees where people can get away to relax and enjoy the sun. However, the Caribbean islands are more than just […]
In 2011, Island Conservation, USFWS, and TNC removed invasive rats from Palmyra Atoll to protect native species. Now researchers have found that disease-carrying mosquitoes have disappeared. By: Rob Margetta Palmyra Atoll is a tiny speck in the Pacific Ocean, roughly 1,000 miles south of Hawai’i and less than 3 square miles in area. Its only […]
Islands are biodiversity hotspots, but also extinction epicenters. Fortunately, there is a way to protect these vibrant ecosystems. Islands are home to a great diversity of rare and endemic species. With the advent of global travel, humans have spread around the world, ventured into these sensitive ecosystems, and in many cases, have introduced species that […]
Invasive species are a leading cause of extinctions on islands. What makes island ecosystems particularly vulnerable to invasive species? Endemism Many islands are home to species found nowhere else on Earth. If invasive species begin to disturb such islands’ ecosystem balances, the native species being negatively affected have no alternative home or additional populations, and […]
Invasive species damage ecosystems, economies, agriculture, and human health. You can apply these simple recommendations to help stop the dispersal of invasive species. 1. Care for your pets Many invasive species have been traced back to releases of pets into the wild. Only adopt a pet if you are confident you can take care of […]
National Invasive Species Awareness Week begins February 26th, 2018. Learn how you can get involved and prevent the spread of invasive species. For Immediate Release WESTMINSTER, Colorado – February 20, 2018 Ready to sharpen your knowledge about invasive species and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems? You’ll have a great opportunity during National Invasive […]
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 […]
Scientists assess existing research on invasive species, identify key unknowns, and point toward what’s next in the management of this global crisis. By: Dylan Meek The term “invasive species” draws a general consensus when brought up amongst conservationists—namely, that they are a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. But why? To what extent do […]