Tropical Island Recovery

Tropical island species and ecosystems are threatened worldwide asa result of increasing human pressure. Yet some of theseislands also lend themselves to restoration, as they are physicallydefined units that can be given focused attention, as long asresources are available and clear conservation targets areset. Cousine Island, Seychelles, is a tropical island thathas received such intensive restoration. From a highlydegraded island in the 1960s, the island has now been restored towhat is believed to be a semblance of the natural state. Allalien vertebrates have been eradicated, as have 25 invasive alienplants. Cultivated plants are now confined to one smallsection of the island. Poaching of nesting marine turtles hasbeen stopped, leading to an increase in turtle breedingnumbers. The shearwater population has increased in size withpoaching activities under control. The Sooty tern has alsoreturned to the island to breed. The coastal plateau has beenrestored with over 2500 indigenous shrubs and trees, which have nowgrown into a forest carpet. There are strict quarantine procedureson the island, keeping it free of rats, mice, various alieninvertebrates and potentially invasive alien plants. Threethreatened Seychelles endemic land birds (Seychelles warbler,Seychelles magpie robin and Seychelles white-eye) have beenintroduced and are thriving, with these introductions contributingto both the magpie robin and the white-eye being downgraded from CRto EN (the warbler remains at VU). Ecotourism, and natureconservation for the local inhabitants, have been introduced in away that does not reduce the improved compositional, structural andfunctional biodiversity of the island. The result of therestoration effort appears to be sustainable in the long term,although challenges still remain, especially with regards toadequate clean water and a non-polluting power supply on theisland. Cousine is thus paving the way in the art and scienceof tropical island restoration as a legacy for future generations. There is no other book available on this case study. Theneed for the book arises from the fact that here is a positive notefor conservation in these times of so much negative news on thestate of our environment. More importantly, the book showshow such restoration should be done, and is therefore a model formany other islands around the world. The book has manyillustrations so as to give the book wide appeal and literally toshow what can done in terms of restoration. All this is basedon much scientific detail, including many new data. The aimis, by way of example, to demonstrate how practical restoration,based on sound scientific research, can be carried out for thebetterment of ecological integrity and ecosystem health.

An insight into the booming industry of insect leisure and tourism, using case studies and examples from around the world.

There can be little doubt that there are truly colossal challenges associated with providing food, fibre and energy for an expanding world population without further accelerating already rapid rates of biodiversity loss and undermining the ecosystem processes on which we all depend. These challenges are further complicated by rapid changes in climate and its additional direct impacts on agriculture, biodiversity and ecological processes. There are many different viewpoints about the best way to deal with the myriad issues associated with land use intensification and this book canvasses a number of these from different parts of the tropical and temperate world. Chapters focus on whether science can suggest new and improved approaches to reducing the conflict between productive land use and biodiversity conservation. Who should read this book? Policy makers in regional, state and federal governments, as well as scientists and the interested lay public.

Australia is the custodian of a diverse range of continental and oceanic islands. From Heard and Macquarie in the sub-Antarctic, to temperate Lord Howe and Norfolk, to the tropical Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s islands contain some of the nation’s most iconic fauna, flora and ecosystems. They are a refuge for over 35% of Australia’s threatened species and for many others declining on mainland Australia. They also have significant cultural value, especially for Indigenous communities, and economic value as centres for tourism. Australian Island Arks presents a compelling case for restoring and managing islands to conserve our natural heritage. With contributions from island practitioners, researchers and policy-makers, it reviews current island management practices and discusses the need and options for future conservation work. Chapters focus on the management of invasive species, threatened species recovery, conservation planning, Indigenous cultural values and partnerships, tourism enterprises, visitor management, and policy and legislature. Case studies show how island restoration and conservation approaches are working in Australia and what the emerging themes are for the future. Australian Island Arks will help island communities, managers, visitors and decision-makers to understand the current status of Australia’s islands, their management challenges, and the opportunities that exist to make best use of these iconic landscapes.

This practical and bold book unifies multiple aspects of plant conservation into a single coherent concept, linking theory and methodology.

Biological Invasions and Global Insect Decline offers the most updated knowledge on how invasive alien species affect insect diversity worldwide. The book provides ongoing research and the most relevant information, covering the main aspects of the impact of biological invasions as well as future insights on mitigation and consequences. It discusses how the introduction of all kinds of organisms, from bacteria and plants to vertebrates, affect current declines in insect diversity. The latter portion of the book delves into existent and future monitoring and management programs, including citizen science and regenerative ecology as socio-ecological solutions to combat these threats. Written and edited by international experts on invasion ecology and insect conservation, this book explores the role of global change and the introduction of invasive species in altering the structure of habitats and how this induces a global insect decline. This will be a valuable resource for entomologists, invasion biologists and other researchers in biodiversity conservation, as well as practitioners and stakeholders concerned about problematic invasive alien species and insect population decline. Offers a concise vision of one of the main causes of insect extinctions in the Anthropocene Discusses community ecology, insect conservation, species interactions, restoration ecology Led by a team of editors whose expertise includes invasive alien species, invasion ecology, insect species diversity, and species conservation

Palm-fringed silvery sands, turquoise seas, misty mountain peaks and coral reefs coupled with tropical sun and starry skies make the Seychelles an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. With plants and animals historically linked to Africa, Madagascar and Asia, and marine life native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, the Seychelles is a haven for those interested in natural history and this is the only travel guide to the Seychelles with a comprehensive account of the flora and fauna. The authors provide fascinating coverage of the islands' biodiversity, from mangroves, turtles and birds to nature reserves. Updated throughout, they reveal the islands many secrets from coco de mer palm forests and bird sanctuaries to local markets and Creole cuisine.

This work briefly records the lives and achievements of 502 men and women who contributed, or are still contributing, to the natural history of the Free State and Lesotho, between 1829 and 2013.