Islands are an enigma. They account for just over 5 percent of the earth’s terrestrial area, and yet harbour a disproportionately high concentration of life. They are biodiversity hotspots, and conversely, bear the brunt of species extinction. Seventy five percent of all the mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds we’ve lost in the last 1500 years, have disappeared from islands, largely due to human factors such as the over-exploitation of natural resources and the introduction of invasive species.  

Since colonisation began Norfolk has lost eight endemic birds, the island’s only mammal (a bat), at least two endemic plants, and an unknown number of insects. Giving the Norfolk archipelago the somewhat dubious honour of having one of the worst anthropogenic extinction records on the planet. 

“Despite this tragic litany of loss, there are reasons to retain our sense of hope. As we slowly change the way we feel about nature and respond to its historic demise.”