Island extinctions: processes, patterns, and potential for ecosystem restoration
Date
2017
Authors
Wood, Jamie R
Alcover, Josep A
Blackburn, Tim M.
Bover, Pere
Duncan, Richard P.
Hume, Julian P.
Louys, Julien
Meijer, Hanneke J.M.
Juan C., Rando
Wilmshurst, Janet M
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Extinctions have altered island ecosystems throughout the late Quaternary. Here, we review the main historic drivers of extinctions on islands, patterns in extinction chronologies between islands, and the potential for restoring ecosystems through reintroducing extirpated species. While some extinctions have been caused by climatic and environmental change, most have been caused by anthropogenic impacts. We propose a general model to describe patterns in these anthropogenic island extinctions. Hunting, habitat loss and the introduction of invasive predators accompanied prehistoric settlement and caused declines of endemic island species. Later settlement by European colonists brought further land development, a different suite of predators and new drivers, leading to more extinctions. Extinctions alter ecological networks, causing ripple effects for islands through the loss of ecosystem processes, functions and interactions between species. Reintroduction of extirpated species can help restore ecosystem function and processes, and can be guided by palaeoecology. However, reintroduction projects must also consider the cultural, social and economic needs of humans now inhabiting the islands and ensure resilience against future environmental and climate change.
Description
Keywords
human settlement, introduced species, predation, habitat loss, hunting, palaeoecology, archaeology, prehistory, ecological restoration, conservation biology
Citation
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Source
Environmental Conservation
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2099-12-31