Island Paradise - the wonder of clearing non-indigenous (invasive) species from islands... more to follow
- hello593537
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
Tigertek is leading the use of IoT sensors in removal of non-indigenous (invasive) species from islands. This is achieved in a thoughtful, humane and animal-friendly fashion.
Islands everywhere can benefit :)
If you do nothing else today.....watch this !
Thank you to RSPB Warden Liam McFaul
Clearing non-indigenous (invasive) species from islands yields significant benefits, primarily by reversing native biodiversity loss, promoting the recovery of entire ecosystems (both on land and in surrounding marine environments), and providing crucial socioeconomic co-benefits to human communities.
Ecological and Environmental Benefits
Halts Native Biodiversity Loss: Invasive species are the primary driver of native biodiversity loss and extinctions on islands because many island species evolved without natural predators and lack defense mechanisms. Removing these invaders directly protects vulnerable native plants and animals.
Ecosystem Recovery and Resilience: The removal of invasive species allows entire ecosystems to recover, often without significant further intervention. Restored ecosystems are also more resilient to climate change impacts.
Restoration of "Connector" Species: Eradication allows "connector" species like seabirds and land crabs to rebound. These species link land and ocean ecosystems by depositing nutrient-rich guano, which in turn supports the health of surrounding marine organisms, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. Damaged coral reefs adjacent to restored islands have been shown to heal faster.
Habitat Regeneration: With invasive herbivores or seed-eating predators removed, native plant life can flourish. For example, after rats were removed from Palmyra Atoll, native plant seedlings increased by over 5,000%.
Carbon Sequestration: Flourishing native plant life and healthy marine habitats (like mangroves and seagrasses) act as powerful carbon sinks, helping to mitigate climate change.
Human and Socioeconomic Benefits
Improved Human Health and Livelihoods: Island communities often depend on healthy ecosystems for food (fisheries, agriculture) and livelihoods (tourism). Restoring these systems improves food security and local economies.
Disease Reduction: Removing certain invasive mammals can reduce the transmission of zoonotic diseases to people. For instance, an eradication project on Natividad Island, Mexico, reduced the incidence of a specific parasitic infection in the local community.
Ecotourism Opportunities: Successful eradication campaigns can turn islands into major attractions for ecotourism, creating new businesses and economic opportunities for local inhabitants.
Protection from Natural Disasters: Healthy coastal habitats, like mangroves and reefs, can limit soil erosion and flooding, providing vital protection for island communities against rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Global Conservation Targets: These local actions collectively contribute significantly to national and global biodiversity goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The high success rate (around 88% for vertebrate eradications) makes it one of the most effective conservation tools available.
“Linking efforts on land, including removing invasive species from islands, with marine restoration and protection offers a significant untapped opportunity to protect and restore both islands and coastal regions.” Thank you to IOCC https://www.jointheiocc.org/news/new-research-shows-people-wildlife-and-marine-environment-benefit-when-island-ocean-connections-are-restored#:~:text=%E2%80%9CLinking%20efforts%20on%20land%2C%20including,oceanographic%20productivity%2C%20and%20wave%20energy.&text=The%20paper%20identifies%20islands%20with,species%20removal%20and%20island%20rewilding.
Clearing non-indigenous (invasive) species from islands provides substantial benefits for biodiversity, ecosystem health, climate resilience, and local human communities. This is a highly effective conservation tool due to the unique vulnerability of island ecosystems.
Key Benefits
Halts and Reverses Extinction Trends: Islands are home to a disproportionate percentage of the world's highly threatened and endemic species, many of which lack natural defenses against introduced predators like rats, cats, and goats. Removing these invasive species is one of the most effective ways to prevent extinctions and allows native populations to recover dramatically.
Restores Ecosystem Balance: Eradication efforts allow native flora and fauna to rebound, which helps restore the island's natural ecological balance. For example, after rats were removed from Palmyra Atoll, native plant seedlings increased by over 5,000%, and previously undocumented crab species began to thrive.
Enhances Marine Ecosystems: The benefits extend beyond the land to the surrounding marine environment. Seabirds act as "connector species" by feeding in the ocean and depositing nutrient-rich guano on land, which then washes into coastal waters, supporting coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and fish populations. Restored coral reefs have been shown to heal four times faster.
Strengthens Climate Resilience: Restored ecosystems, particularly healthy mangrove forests, seagrasses, and reefs, act as powerful "blue carbon" sinks, absorbing and storing carbon and providing a natural buffer against soil erosion and flooding caused by rising sea levels.
Provides Socioeconomic Benefits: Thriving ecosystems support local economies by improving fisheries and enhancing tourism opportunities, making islands more attractive to visitors. Eradications can also improve human health by eliminating zoonotic diseases carried by invasive species.
These interventions have proven highly successful, with an approximate 88% success rate in eradicating invasive vertebrates from islands globally.
