Saving Saint Helena: Restoring Biodiversity on an Otherworldly Island

🌿The volcanic island of Saint Helena is isolated but rich in flora and fauna, with unique micro ecosystems.

🐐The introduction of alien species, such as goats, decimated the island's ancient forests.

🌱Invasive plants pose a threat to endemic species on Saint Helena.

🌍Saint Helena is home to 25 times more endemic species per square kilometer than the Galapagos Islands.

🌺Conservation efforts on Saint Helena, including habitat restoration and propagation of endemic plants, are helping to safeguard the island's biodiversity.

Why is Saint Helena unique?

—Saint Helena is unique due to its extreme isolation and its high proportion of endemic flora and fauna.

What are the threats to Saint Helena's biodiversity?

—The threats to Saint Helena's biodiversity include habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species.

What is the importance of the cloud forest on Saint Helena?

—The cloud forest on Saint Helena plays a crucial role in capturing water and providing drinking water for the island.

How are invasive species affecting Saint Helena?

—Invasive species, such as goats and invasive plants, have had detrimental effects on the native flora and fauna of Saint Helena.

What conservation efforts are being made on Saint Helena?

—Conservation efforts on Saint Helena include habitat restoration, propagation of endemic plants, and monitoring of biodiversity.

00:01The volcanic island of Saint Helena is isolated but rich in flora and fauna.

00:12The introduction of alien species, such as goats, led to the loss of ancient forests.

02:32Invasive plants pose a threat to endemic species on the island.

07:10Saint Helena is home to 25 times more endemic species per square kilometer than the Galapagos Islands.

12:56Conservation efforts on Saint Helena, including habitat restoration and propagation of endemic plants, are helping to safeguard the island's biodiversity.