The Caribbean island, once ravaged by rats causing extensive damage to its ecosystem, has experienced a remarkable transformation. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of environmental groups, the plant biomass on the island has increased by a staggering 2,000%. This awe-inspiring accomplishment showcases the power of collective action in restoring and revitalizing fragile ecosystems. Let’s delve into the incredible journey of this Caribbean island, exploring the challenges faced, the proactive measures taken, and the promising results achieved.
Redonda, a small uninhabited island in the Caribbean that is part of the commonwealth of Antigua and Barbuda, is making significant progress in restoring its native ecosystem after being devastated by invasive species almost a century ago. Once a sanctuary for various seabird species, Redonda attracted birds like Brown Boobies and Masked Boobies, making it a valuable source of guano, a type of seabird excrement used for fertilizer and gunpowder. In the 19th century, the British government sent over 100 miners to extract several tons of guano annually. Although humans abandoned the island in the 1930s, their mining activities introduced invasive species such as domestic goats and black rats, which wreaked havoc on Redonda’s ecosystem. Over time, the island became a desolate landscape, earning the nickname “the rock” from nearby residents. The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG), an NGO in Antigua and Barbuda, explained that the rats and goats, much like in other parts of the world, contributed to deforestation and desertification on Redonda, resulting in the extinction of the endemic skink and iguana species, as well as the Antiguan burrowing owl. By 2012, the ecosystem had deteriorated to the point where even the feral goats were starving. In 2016, environmental organizations like EAG launched restoration efforts to revive the island’s native plant and animal species. The plan involved relocating around 60 goats to Antigua and eradicating approximately 7,000 rats with the assistance of local and international volunteers. According to Johnella Bradshaw, EAG’s Redonda program coordinator, the removal of these invasive species led to remarkable changes on the island. Within months, vegetation began to grow back, and the island started to recover. Within just two years, multiple species started returning, including land birds and invertebrates that hadn’t been seen in decades. The population of at least two of the three lizard species increased more than threefold, and the total plant biomass rose by over 2,000%. Today, Redonda is home to numerous threatened species and a new generation of seabirds that haven’t been observed in centuries. No intentional plantings or species reintroductions were necessary; the removal of rats and goats transformed the island before their eyes. To further protect its restoration progress, the government of Antigua and Barbuda established the Redonda Ecosystem Reserve this month. The reserve covers 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) of land and sea, including the small island. Bradshaw believes this designation will help ensure the island’s fragile restoration continues.
Redonda, an uninhabited Caribbean island, played a vital role as a fertilizer source during the 19th century. However, the arrival of miners and their inadvertent introduction of invasive species dealt a devastating blow to the island’s ecosystem. In recent years, environmental groups have taken the initiative to restore Redonda, resulting in remarkable progress since 2016. These restoration efforts are crucial in preserving the island’s natural habitat and safeguarding its future.
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