Here is the latest news from the Henderson Team :
Expedition to Henderson Island
The ecology of rats on Henderson Island
Increasing our knowledge of petrel biology
Henderson landbirds
The plant life of Henderson Island
Plastic in paradise
The voyage home
Jennifer's wedding
The new team
Hope for the future
Henderson Island is a 4,600 ha raised coralline atoll located in the South Pacific. Part of the Pitcairn Island, UK Overseas Territory, the island is home to over 50 endemic species. The island sits roughly 35 m above sea level with no human settlement, infrastructure and none of the ‘necessities’ of modern life. Henderson Island is one of the last remaining examples of this type of habitat in the world not yet destroyed by development or other human activity.
Still, Henderson’s unique biodiversity is currently under threat due to the presence of introduced Pacific rats. Rats are negatively affecting many native species on Henderson Island. Following the failed eradication attempt in 2011, more research is needed to ensure that an operation is indeed feasible before we can begin planning and fundraising. In May of this year, the RSPB mounted a six-month expedition to Henderson Island. Divided into two phases, the first team have now returned home and the second team have just started their work on Henderson.