Oceanic islands are characterised by their isolation from continents, which have resulted in a unique fauna and flora with a reduction in the number of species due to the barriers to colonising them, but with many of these species being distinct from their counterparts on their mainland.
However, it is these same characteristics that make oceanic islands particularly vulnerable to extinctions, especially from human impacts. Invasive species, often deliberately or accidentally introduced by humans, face fewer competitors and natural predators on islands and can therefore establish themselves more readily. Similarly, there are fewer opportunities for island species to migrate to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
During this half day event, you will first gain an overview of the unique ecological drivers shaping island communities and the increased extinctions risks facing them, before two specific case-studies (from Bermuda and bats on islands) will be discussed in depth.
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 BST on 7 May 2025.