Photo Credit: Ed Marshall
As reported at the end of July, the desolate Caribbean island of Redonda has witnessed a miraculous transformation thanks to an ambitious restoration programme by our partner charity Fauna & Flora International.
After the removal of invasive species from the island, Redonda’s unique plants and native animals have made a rapid recovery and are now thriving after just 12 months.
Rebirth of an island
Redonda is now unrecognisable and vibrant with life.
In less than a year, the Redonda ground dragon, a rare black lizard found nowhere else on the planet, has been pulled back from the brink of extinction with their numbers doubling.
Redonda tree lizards have tripled, hundreds of new trees have sprung up and land birds have increased tenfold.
It doesn’t stop there either. Globally important seabird colonies such as frigatebird (pictured) and several booby species are also experiencing their best breeding year on record.
What next?
Redonda is home to many endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world including at least five species of reptiles as well as seabird colonies.
Conservationists argue the island warrants greater protection and preparations to transform Redonda and its surrounding sea into a nature reserve are now under way.
Brighter future
It’s the generous donations that Fauna & Flora International receive that makes this influential work possible.
As the Redonda success story shows, perhaps other threatened Caribbean islands can hopefully be restored to their former glory.
If you feel inspired by the work of WildLife Foundation and our partner charities, why not do your bit by making a donation today?
