Natural History Wanderings

Wildlife Extra reported that for the first time in almost 180 years Ascension frigate birds were seen nesting at Ascension isIand, a UK overseas territory. The seabird population of the island had once been in the tens of millions but had been devastated by introduction of cats that had been brought to the island to control rats and mice. In 2002 the Royal Society for the Protection of birds started a project to remove the feral cats and by 2006 the island was cat free.

Ascension frigate birds are globally threatened and considered Vulnerable to Extinction by the IUCN. They are large seabirds that do not swim. Ascension Island is a small volcanic island in the south Atlantic known for its rich flora and fauna. Read more at: Wildlife Extra News – Frigate birds reappear on Ascension Island after 180 year absence