Biodiversity

Tag: Biodiversity

New Zealand Government Launches Ambitious Restoration Program

New Zealand’s goal to become Predator Free by 2050 is underway, and one of the first places to benefit from restoration efforts will be Auckland Island. Invasive predators have devastated wildlife and plants on the island. They were introduced to the island from expeditions and shipwrecks and since arriving, the invasive mice, feral cats, and […]

Written by on July 11, 2018

Madagascar’s Biodiversity Threatened by Toxic Toad

An  invasive toxic toad has made its way onto Madagascar and has the potential to devastate local ecosystems and biodiversity. The Asian Common Toad has recently made its way to Madagascar. This breach jeopardizes the safety of all native island predators that will eat the invasive toad. When the toad feels threatened they secrete a […]

Written by on June 22, 2018

Community Conservation Needs Guidance

According to a new report led by Predator Free New Zealand Trust, community conservation needs clear objectives and a firm support structure in place to keep volunteers engaged and inspired. Researcher Dr. Marie Brown from the Catalyst group, an environmental management consultancy, recently published a report that highlights the need for stronger support structures for […]

Written by on June 1, 2018

Island Mice Showcase Evolution in Action

Scientists discover smallest island where mammal species can speciate, lending insight into how evolution works on islands. Madagascar has several species of lemurs, Australia has multiple kangaroo species, and the Galápagos has the world’s only ocean-diving iguana. When animals are isolated on an island, they evolve differently than they do on mainlands, giving rise to […]

Written by on May 31, 2018

Remote Island Ecosystem Needs Relief from Invasive Rabbits

One of the world’s most isolated locations, the Kerguelen Islands, has been infiltrated by invasive rabbits. The Kerguelen Islands, also known as the Desolation Islands, are a remote cluster of islands in the Southern Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Antarctica. It is one of the most isolated places on Earth, with only a few dozen […]

Written by on May 24, 2018

Biodiversity: What is it and Why Does it Matter?

Biodiversity has far-reaching impacts on the vitality of people and the planet but what is it and what impact does it have on islands? What is biological diversity? Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life on earth–every individual organism, species, and kingdom, from the smallest spec of bacteria to the enormous whales in […]

Written by on May 17, 2018

Canadian Island Bee Buzzes Toward Extinction

The Sable Island endemic Sweat Bee is threatened. Conservationists hurry to understand this small species better before a crucial pollinator is lost. The Sable Island Sweat Bee is a tiny ant-sized bee that many people may find unimportant. However, researchers have taken notice of its threatened status due to its sole habitat being Sable Island, […]

Written by on May 17, 2018

Explore the Humboldt Archipelago Hope Spot, Chile

Humboldt Archipelago in Chile has been deemed a Hope Spot! International non-profit Mission Blue has officially declared the Humboldt Archipelago as a Hope Spot. This recognizes the area as one of the most ecologically diverse and biologically important regions along the Chilean Coast. This ecosystem supports important species such as the IUCN Vulnerable Humboldt Penguin and the IUCN Endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel. […]

Written by on April 4, 2018

Scientific Assessment Highlights Biodiversity Conservation

Scientific assessments confirm the need for biodiversity conservation around the world to protect life on Earth. Reports show that biodiversity continues to decline in every region of the world. Loss of biodiversity undermines nature’s ability to ensure quality of life everywhere. Actions to safeguard biodiversity are being undertaken, but more are needed. IPBES regional assessment […]

Written by on March 26, 2018

Hybrid Iguanas Signal Need for Stricter Biosecurity

Hybridization between invasive Green Iguanas and native Little Cayman Island rock iguana takes scientists by surprise and indicates a heightened risk for rare island iguanas. By: Sara Kaiser What happens when a native iguana and an invasive iguana meet, and kind of like each other? According to new research published in the scientific journal Biological […]

Written by on March 8, 2018