Biodiversity

Tag: Biodiversity

Protecting Seabird Habitat on Lehua Island

The Lehua Island Restoration Project aims to protect Hawai’i’s native seabirds, such as the Vulnerable Hawaiian Petrel and Bulwer’s Petrel, and support island biodiversity. Islands are home to 20% of all bird, reptile, and plant species, but invasive species threaten the biodiversity of many islands around the world. Lehua Island is no exception and is […]

Written by on August 16, 2017

Can Conservation Biology Survive the Anthropocene?

Jon Hoekstra, Executive Director of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and Island Conservation board member explains the damaging role invasive species play in biodiversity loss at the Harvard University “Ecological Systems in the Anthropocene” lecture series. Watch the panel discussion at Harvard University Center for the Environment Elizabeth Wolkovich: What are the major threats […]

Written by on August 1, 2017

Dispelling the Confusion: “Non-native” vs “Invasive” Species

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 […]

Written by on July 18, 2017

Richard Griffiths Presents: Past Conservation Projects Inform Future Efforts

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 […]

Written by on July 12, 2017

Gene Drive: A Potential Power-Tool for the Toolbox

A Potential Power-Tool for the Toolbox: Exploring Gene Drive for Eradicating Invasive Rodent Populations 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 that will be presented by experts in the field. […]

Written by on July 11, 2017

Tequila Sunrise? Or Floreana Sunrise?

Island Conservation’s Legal and Administrative Specialist Carolina Torres Trueba shares a powerful experience on Floreana Island and explains why she has great hope for the future of the Galápagos. Timelapse, Floreana at sunrise by Carolina Torres Trueba Imagine yourself, at the break of dawn, sitting at the highest point of one of the most remote […]

Written by on July 7, 2017

Saving the Giant Wētā, the “God of Ugly Things”

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 […]

Written by on June 28, 2017

Biodiversity and Human Health Benefit from Invasive Species Removal

Invasive species removal could reduce, and in some cases potentially eliminate diseases affecting human communities on islands. Restoring islands through the removal of non-native invasive mammals is a powerful biodiversity conservation tool. Our new study now shows that human communities on islands could benefit from restoration actions, which can potentially reduce or eliminate the burden of diseases […]

Written by on June 13, 2017

How Will Climate Change Facilitate Plant Invasion?

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 […]

Written by on June 2, 2017

Discovery of Extinct Beetle Highlights Biodiversity & Sounds a Warning

New beetle species discovered in Paris museum is already extinct, but leaves us with some important messages. Tucked away among the shelves of a museum in Paris for 140 years was a new discovery waiting to happen. To the untrained eye, it would appear to be just another beetle in a diverse collection. But in fact, there […]

Written by on March 7, 2017