Island Conservation
Confusion over terms “non-native” and “invasive” species puts wildlife at risk. As our planet approaches a potential sixth mass extinction, accurate information about environmental issues is more important than ever. Misinformation, such as that surrounding the meaning of “invasive” species, inhibits progress in biodiversity and habitat conservation. Utmost care and diligence must be taken in […]
Research highlights the value of island restoration and the importance of long-term monitoring for the prevention of seabird extinctions. Though seabirds are named and well-known for the ample time they spend in and above the ocean, they also depend on the land, with islands being especially significant. Through migration, foraging, and nesting, seabirds bring sky, […]
A tsunami strikes Hawaiian islands with globally important seabird species; scientists can study its effects to better understand imminent ecological threats presented by sea level rise. Earthquake-generated tsunamis can cause sudden flooding in coastal areas and islands. Damage to human health and infrastructure caused by past tsunamis is well-documented–but what happens to the affected region’s […]
Island Conservation Project Director Richard Griffiths presents a study: past invasive species removal projects lend insight and lead to success in the future. An international conference focused on the impacts and management of invasive alien species on islands is taking place at University of Dundee, Scotland July 10-14. In anticipation of this event, we’re sharing research […]
Conservationists in New Zealand work to save the Mahoenui Giant Wētā, a native Endangered insect threatened by invasive rodents. The Mahoenui Giant Wētā is one of the world’s largest insects. The mouse-sized insect is endemic to the Mahoenui region of New Zealand. Giant Wētā are considered by many to be ugly. They smell, and are uncomfortably large. The […]
Further research on Ascension Island’s human-engineered ecosystem could generate insight into current environmental challenges. The challenge on Ascension Island is to maintain a balance of the new and the old. A novel ecosystem is an ecosystem engineered by humans. Over the last 150 years, non-native plant species were planted on the remote Island in the Atlantic […]
Heath Packard, Island Conservation’s Director of Marketing and Communications, shares the history of IC, the benefits of invasive species removal on islands, and the future of eradication efforts in an interview with Michael Olson on Ag Update. Transcription: Rosemary: 44 minutes past 8am, it’s a Monday morning and that means we are going to talk agriculture with Michael […]
Scientists are assembling data to predict how climate change will drive plant invasions. With climate change in motion, plant species could migrate to regions that are changing to accommodate new species. Non-native (introduced) species are considered invasive when proof of harm to the ecosystem is observed. Climate change-driven shifts in abiotic factors–non-living features of the environment–could affect […]
Job opportunity available as an Invasive Species Assistance Consultant with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP). Looking for a conservation job opportunity? The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), an intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation among Pacific islands countries and territories to protect and improve their environment and ensure sustainable development, […]
New Zealand offers $10,000 prize for photographic evidence of the Possibly Extinct South Island Kōkako, also known as the “Grey Ghost.” There may be a ghost on New Zealand’s South Island and the South Island Kōkako Charitable Trust recently doubled the reward for photographic evidence to $10,000. The last confirmed sightings of the South Island […]