Biodiversity

Tag: Biodiversity

Confirming Zero: A Call for Innovative Solutions for Conservation

GIS and Data Program Manager David Will outlines the challenges posed by conservation data collection and calls for innovative solutions to expediate this crucial component of preventing extinctions. By: David Will Imagine you are on a remote island fighting your way through thick bushes in search of footprints the size of quarter – but hoping […]

Written by on March 1, 2018

Islands: Hotbeds of Life and Epicenters of Extinction

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 […]

Written by on February 26, 2018

Extinction Rate in Australia Signals Need for Conservation

Australia is known for its unique ecosystems that support an array of wildlife. However, over 1,800 plant, animal, and ecological communities in the region face extinction right now. Two years ago, the Bramble Cay Melomys was the first mammal to go extinct as a direct result of climate change. Perhaps this extinction could have been […]

Written by on February 22, 2018

DIY Biosecurity: 7 Steps to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

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 […]

Written by on February 22, 2018

Invasive Species 101: What is an Invasive Species?

Invasive species are the cause of the majority of all recorded extinctions that have occurred on islands. Why do these species cause so much damage to native ecosystems? What is an Invasive Alien Species (IAS)? According to the Convention on Biological Diversity an Invasive Alien Species is a “species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past […]

Written by on February 21, 2018

Revisiting Antipodes Island

After 18 long months, the wait is finally over. A team is heading back to Antipodes Island to discover the outcome of the Million Dollar Mouse project. Million Dollar Mouse is one of the largest-ever attempts to eradicate mice anywhere in the world. Mice can be voracious predators, and with Antipodes Island being internationally recognised […]

Written by on February 19, 2018

In Defense of Biodiversity: Why Protecting Species from Extinction Matters

A number of biologists have recently made the argument that extinction is part of evolution and that saving species need not be a conservation priority. But this revisionist thinking shows a lack of understanding of evolution and an ignorance of the natural world. By: Carl Safina A few years ago, I helped lead a ship-based expedition along […]

Written by on February 14, 2018

Cousin Island Celebrates after 50 years of Conservation Success

Seychelles Cousin Island has been an important nature reserve for 50 years and has helped save an endemic warbler from extinction. Seychelles Cousin Island is celebrating its 50th year anniversary since its designation as a nature reserve. Cousin Island is a small granitic island lying a little over a mile west of Praslin, which is […]

Written by on February 8, 2018

Alone in the Middle of the Ocean, Islands are Havens of Life

The future is uncertain for Earth’s incredible island worlds. By: Dr. Vivien Cumming The Earth is a blue planet with oceans covering over 70 percent of Earth’s surface. Out there alone, in the middle of these vast oceans, stand islands – havens for life on Earth. Standing alone in the middle of the ocean, there is […]

Written by on December 6, 2017

A Fulfilling Quest to Protect Kayangel’s Biodiversity

The project to restore Kayangel stands to benefit incredible wildlife and local community. By: Richard Griffiths and Tommy Hall As Island Conservation Project Directors, we work on islands where both the concentration of biodiversity and rate of extinction are greatest. Few places offer a higher return on conservation investments or greater satisfaction. Increasingly though, we have found ourselves working in […]

Written by on December 4, 2017