Image: A Floreana mockingbird (credit: Luis Ortiz-Catedral/GCT)
Of the wildlife lost worldwide, 80% has occurred on islands. One of the primary threats to island wildlife is invasive species. The wildlife and habitats of Floreana island in Galapagos have been devastated by invasive species including non-native rats, with 55 native species now threatened with extinction, and a further 12 that are no longer found on the main island of Floreana, including the Floreana mockingbird.
The generous support of almost 300 Radio 4 listeners raised an incredible £16,795 which will help us to restore Floreana island to its former glory. This restoration is needed to ensure that species like the endangered Floreana mockingbird, which is now only found on two tiny islets off the coast of Floreana, can be reintroduced back to their original home and survive. The money donated through this appeal will ensure that the vulnerable species on the island are also protected during the restoration work.
It's a huge project, but with our partners we are working to make Floreana the world's first large inhabited island to have its ecosystem completely restored and to have species, including the Floreana mockingbird, reintroduced to it. Not only will this project save endangered species, it will act as a template for other islands globally.
Thank you to everyone who donated to our appeal!
You can find out more about the charity .