Isolated and vulnerable: the history and future of Pacific Island terrestrial biodiversity

Keppel, Gunnar and Morrison, Clare and Meyer, J.-Y and Boehmer, Hans J. (2014) Isolated and vulnerable: the history and future of Pacific Island terrestrial biodiversity. Pacific Conservation Biology, 20 (2). pp. 136-145. ISSN 1038-2097

PDF Download (156kB)

Abstract

Islands in the tropical Pacific have a rich and unique biota produced by island biogeographic processes and modified by recent anthropogenic influences. This biota has been shaped by four overlapping phases: natural colonization and dynamics (phase 1), impacts of indigenous (phase 2) and non-indigenous (phase 3) settlers, and increasing environmental awareness (phase 4). Island ecosystems are resilient to natural disturbance regimes but highly vulnerable to invasive species and other human-related influences, due to comparatively low alpha diversity, isolated evolution and the absence of certain functional groups. Habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive alien species and pollution continue to threaten terrestrial biodiversity, compounded by limited environmental awareness, minimal conservation funding, project mismanagement, limited local capacity and inadequate and/or unsuitable conservation policies. To achieve effective conservation of terrestrial biodiversity in the region, biophysical threats need to be mitigated with improved scientific, institutional and management capacity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General) G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE) > School of Geography, Earth Science and Environment
Depositing User:	Fulori Nainoca - Waqairagata
Date Deposited:	08 Jan 2015 03:02
Last Modified:	09 May 2016 23:29
URI:	http://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/7872

Available Versions of this Item

• Isolated and vulnerable: the history and future of Pacific Island terrestrial biodiversity. (deposited 08 Jan 2015 02:23)
  • Isolated and vulnerable: the history and future of Pacific Island terrestrial biodiversity. (deposited 08 Jan 2015 03:02) [Currently Displayed]

UNSPECIFIED

Actions (login required)

View Item