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Choros Island, Chile

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Choros Island, Chile Choros Island, Chile OUR MISSION To protect the globally threatened seabird and plant species that depend on and Choros Island. OUR VISION The island’s native species are thriving and free from the threat of invasive species. THE PROBLEM Invasive European rabbits are destroying nesting habitat for penguins and petrels and devouring the island’s vegetation. WHY IS CHOROS ISLAND IMPORTANT? THE SOLUTION In support of work led by CONAF (the Chilean government agency responsible for • 1,700 to 2,000 Humboldt protected areas and forest management), Island Conservation, local community leaders, Penguin pairs breed on and scientists are working together to restore populations of native species on Choros Choros Island Island by removing invasive rabbits. • Choros is one of only four WHY MEASURE OUR IMPACT? islands in Chile where the By comparing the population size of animals and plants before and after removal of invasive rabbits, we can measure the impact that our actions have in restoring key Peruvian Diving-petrel nests, habitat and threatened species, such as the Endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel and representing at least 10% of Vulnerable Humboldt Penguin. Monitoring our impact ensures that island restoration its global population efforts are successful, imperiled species are protected, and ecotourism continues to • Choros is a Chilean develop. Choros island is one of the three islands that protected area and, once make up the Humboldt Penguin National restored, will provide ideal Reserve, situated 600 km (372.8 miles) north of Santiago, Chile. The reserve is managed breeding sites for these bird and protected by CONAF. Choros Island species covers 301 ha. The vegetation on Choros Island is comprised mainly of cactus, herbs, and low-growing shrubs. CHOROS ISLAND RESTORATION PROJECT Choros Island may be small in size, but it is undoubtedly biologically important and globally significant. Two globally threatened seabirds nest on Choros Island: the IUCN Vulnerable Humboldt Penguin and the IUCN Endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel. The island also supports two threatened plant species, Alstroemeria philippii and Chorizanthe frankenioide. Invasive rabbits on Choros Island are destroying the ecosystem by occupying seabird burrows, increasing erosion, and browsing on vegetation. Humboldt Penguins depend on intact burrows for nesting, while smaller seabirds use vegetation and burrows for hiding in order to avoid native predators. Fortunately, invasive rabbits can be removed from Choros Island. This one-time action will immediately benefit native plant and animal species and ignite long-term recovery of the island’s ecosystem. Island Conservation and local partners are assisting CONAF in removing invasive rabbits from Choros Island and working to achieve AICHI biodiversity targets, specifically targets 5,9, and 12. By eliminating the primary threat to native species, we will stop further degradation and loss of natural habitat and create the necessary conditions under which seabirds and other native plants and animals can thrive. A SECOND CHANCE FOR NATIVE SPECIES 1. HUMBOLDT PENGUINS are only found along the Pacific coast of South America, where they thrive in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Humboldt Current. Approximately 1,700-2,000 pairs of Humboldt Penguins make their nests in dugout bowls under cacti and other vegetation. Invasive European rabbits are competing with the penguins for limited burrow space, causing the continued decline of this population on Choros Island. Removal of invasive rabbits from Choros is necessary to save this penguin population. 2. PERUVIAN DIVING-PETREL The Endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel is also only found in the Humboldt Current region off Peru and Chile. Once abundant and widespread, the Peruvian Diving-petrel’s population has been greatly diminished by the impacts of guano harvesting, which destroys their breeding habitat. As guano harvesting is not a problem on Choros, this island is the ideal site for the recovery of this threatened species once invasive rabbits are removed. 3. VEGETATION Choros Island is an important site for conserving native Chilean plant species, such as native cactus, herbs, and shrubs, including threatened species like Alstroemaeria philippii, Loasa elongata, and Tetragonia ovata. Invasive European rabbits are devouring native plant life and facilitating the expansion of invasive plants; rabbits must be removed to protect the island’s native plants species and ensure their continued existence. 4. ECO-TOURISM Nearby fishing communities have developed a growing eco-tourism industry focused on the unique biodiversity found in the reserve. Eco-tourism offers a sustainable future for Choros’ native plant and animal species. Establishing the Humboldt Penguin National Reserve as an eco-tourism site ensures the protection of threatened species, such as the Vulnerable Humboldt Penguin and Endangered Peruvian Diving-petrel. .
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