Conservation

Tag: Conservation

Micromoth, Big Problem

Hawaiian Micromoth depends on threatened native plants for survival. Conservation efforts are underway. The Hawaiian Micromoth, more commonly referred to as a Leaf Miner, is approximately the size of a human eyelash. They belong to the genus Philodoria of which there are 40 known species that live inside the leaves of a plant. The micromoths […]

Written by on December 22, 2016

New Blue Iguana Exhibit Celebrates Species Recovery

The Bronx Zoo in New York will soon open a Blue Iguana exhibit to celebrate the slow but steady recovery of the Endangered Species. There were once fewer than 20 Blue Iguanas (Cyclura lewisi) in the world, but the Bronx Zoo in conjunction with National Trust for the Cayman Islands Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, the […]

Written by on December 22, 2016

Iguanas for Lunch

When an invasive iguana begins to take over the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean, solve the problem by serving them up for lunch. Imagine — two iguana species living on Grand Cayman Island. One is the invasive Green Iguana and one is the Endangered Blue Iguana, which is native to the island. The Green Iguana […]

Written by on December 22, 2016

Hawaiian Crow Flies Free At Last

After 14 years of conservation, five Hawaiian Crow males are released back into the wild. The Hawaiian Crow, or Alalā, has been Extinct-in-the-wild since 2002, but after years of conservation and captive breeding, five male crows have been released in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on the Big Island last Wednesday. These five birds […]

Written by on December 19, 2016

Australia’s National Parks Work to Conserve Native Flora

National Parks in Australia are working hard to combat invasive species that threaten endemic plants. Australia’s native species face a number of threats–including fires, habitat loss, and invasive species. These have led to dramatic declines in populations of both flora and fauna. Celmatis dubia and Acacia equisetifolia, for example, are both at risk of extinction. […]

Written by on December 15, 2016

The Coconut Crab: A Force of Nature

Research explores just how strong a Coconut Crabs pinch can be, but there is so much more to understand about these vibrant animals. The Coconut Crab is a unique and beautiful creature found on islands throughout the Indo-Pacific. This vibrant species is the largest hermit crab in the world–measuring up to 18 inches long and […]

Written by on December 15, 2016

101st Haast Tokoeka Kiwi Chick Hatches at West Coast Wildlife Centre

The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Fanz Josef, South Island just welcomed its 101st Haast Tokoeka Kiwi chick.  The Haast Tokoeka Kiwi, listed as Nationally Critical, is a native bird of New Zealand. Fewer than 400 Haast Tokoeka Kiwis survive in the wild today. Thankfully for this rare bird, the West Coast Wildlife Centre opened in […]

Written by on December 8, 2016

Extinct-in-the-wild Hawaiian Crow Will Soon Fly Free

Hawaiian Crows, also known as Alalā, will soon be released back into their native Hawaiian habitat after a 14-year process of captive breeding. Conservation biologists only want the best for the Hawaiian Crow, also known as Alalā. Protecting the Hawaiian Crow includes providing adequate habitat for their reintroduction to the Hawaiian forest. The species has […]

Written by on December 8, 2016

The Roots of Environmentalism and Conservation

Inspired by the recent renaming of UC Santa Cruz College Eight as Rachel Carson College, a recent article retraced the history of the University’s influence within the larger environmental movement. The article identified key players that made contributions to the environmental movement as a whole, including Island Conservation founders – Don Croll and Bernie Tershy. […]

Written by on December 7, 2016

The Value of Preventing Island Extinctions

In honor of #GivingTuesday and #MyGivingStory, we asked Emily Heber, a volunteer for Island Conservation, what inspires her to help us prevent extinctions. Here is her response… Conservation is important for so many reasons — economic value, ethics, intrinsic value, ecological balance, and a host of other reasons. Personally, my drive to conserve threatened and endangered species […]

Written by on November 23, 2016