Tropical 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 indigenous shrubs and trees, which have now
grown into a forest carpet. There are strict quarantine procedures
on the island, keeping it free of rats, mice, various alien
invertebrates and potentially invasive alien plants. Three
threatened Seychelles endemic land birds (Seychelles warbler,
Seychelles magpie robin and Seychelles white-eye) have been
introduced and are thriving, with these introductions contributing
to both the magpie robin and the white-eye being downgraded from CR
to EN (the warbler remains at VU). Ecotourism, and nature
conservation for the local inhabitants, have been introduced in a
way that does not reduce the improved compositional, structural and
functional biodiversity of the island. The result of the
restoration effort appears to be sustainable in the long term,
although challenges still remain, especially with regards to
adequate clean water and a non-polluting power supply on the
island. Cousine is thus paving the way in the art and science
of tropical island restoration as a legacy for future generations.
There is no other book available on this case study. The
need for the book arises from the fact that here is a positive note
for conservation in these times of so much negative news on the
state of our environment. More importantly, the book shows
how such restoration should be done, and is therefore a model for
many other islands around the world. The book has many
illustrations so as to give the book wide appeal and literally to
show what can done in terms of restoration. All this is based
on much scientific detail, including many new data. The aim
is, by way of example, to demonstrate how practical restoration,
based on sound scientific research, can be carried out for the
betterment of ecological integrity and ecosystem health.
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