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Ascension Island: - more than meets the eye
Ascension Island lies in splendid isolation, just south of the equator, in the middle of the Atlantic. It has spectacular volcanic scenery. Because of its remoteness, it was not settled until the 19th century when Napoleon was held captive on the neighbouring island of St Helena, 1,300 km away. At that time, the main island, though very barren, held huge populations of seabirds. However, rats soon arrived by ship, and donkeys and cats were deliberately introduced.
In an effort to beautify the island, many tropical flowers were planted. The result of all these introductions was the rapid decline in seabird numbers so that, today, most can nest only on smaller islets off-shore. The only residents are those working there under short-term contracts for the military and civilian organisations which have operations there. The local voluntary conservation organisation is the Ascension Heritage Society.
The main threats to the island's conservation interests are twofold: public ignorance or disinterest in the value of Ascension’s biodiversity; and spread of introduced species, particularly mesquite thorn, cats and rats.
Currently, two globally endangered birds, Ascension Frigatebird (pictured) and Red-footed Booby, are threatened. The recently introduced Mexican Thorn bush threatens Ascension’s Green Turtle population (pictured), the surviving unique desert flora and fauna and some geological features.
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| click image for larger photos |
| Much of Ascension's global conservation importance comes from the island's remoteness, which has produced one of the most remarkable island floras and faunas in the world. It is of world significance for its 11 species of breeding seabird, especially the unique Ascension Island Frigate Bird. It has also one of the most important breeding Green Turtle populations in the world. There are 6 unique species of land plants, 9 of marine fish and shellfish, and over 20 of land invertebrates. |
| Photograph of Frigatebird - J. Stevenson (RSPB) |
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Production supported by the RSPBand the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office |
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