Description
Book SynopsisTropical island species and ecosystems are threatened worldwide as a result of increasing human pressure. Yet some of these islands also lend themselves to restoration, as they are physically defined units that can be given focused attention, as long as resources are available and clear conservation targets are set. Cousine Island, Seychelles, is a tropical island that has received such intensive restoration. From a highly degraded island in the 1960s, the island has now been restored to what is believed to be a semblance of the natural state. All alien vertebrates have been eradicated, as have 25 invasive alien plants. Cultivated plants are now confined to one small section of the island. Poaching of nesting marine turtles has been stopped, leading to an increase in turtle breeding numbers. The shearwater population has increased in size with poaching activities under control. The Sooty tern has also returned to the island to breed. The coastal plateau has been restored with over 2500
Trade Review"This is an interesting, well-done, well-illustrated (numerous excellent color photographs) book should interest a wide audience including ecologists, conservationists, ecotourists, and readers interested in the natural history of tropical islands. "
(CHOICE, January 2011)
Table of ContentsForeword by Sir James Mancham
Acknowledgements
Cousine Island in a world context
Cousine as a Seychelles island
Cousine Island’s conservation significance in a nutshell
How humans nearly pushed Cousine past the tipping point
The changing seasons
The lie of the land
Cousine's rocks, soils and sand
The moody sea
Cousine's green carpet
Cousine's woody cloak
Cousine's vegetation reprieve
Sponges, corals and the great bleaching event
Life in the shallow sea: from shells to urchins
Between sea and land: a variety of crabs
Ecological webmasters: terrestrial invertebrates
A rich tapestry of fish life
Cousine as a haven for turtles
Of tortoises, lizards and snakes
Overcoming the extinction of experience: sea bird haven
Aquatic and shore birds
A truly successful story: endemic land birds
The welcome and the unwelcome: vagrant and alien birds
Visiting mammals to Cousine
Cousine Island in the world today, and its future
Scientific summary
List of species recorded on and around Cousine
Glossary
Bibliography
Photographic and artwork credits
About the authors
Index
