How many islands are there on earth? Nobody knows for sure. It is estimated that there are around 670,000 islands, of which only 110,000 are inhabited. The rest is deserted or uninhabited by humans.
Deserted islands are conservation oases. Even with human interaction, the islands have proven to be biodiversity hotspots. In some cases, you will only find certain plants and animals on specific islands. For example, the Sumatran tiger is only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. The most famous island in the world for the environmentally conscious community is the Galapagos Island, which influenced most of Charles Darwin’s remarkable works.
Islands are interesting ecosystems. Let’s look at five desert islands in the world, facts about them, how they have been affected by climate change and why these islands are uninhabited.
Auckland Island
Auckland Island is located in New Zealand. It is one of New Zealand’s five sub-Antarctic islands, known as Disappointment Island and the site of several shipwrecks. Although it is now deserted, attempts at human settlement have already failed. The most notable is the settlement of the Maoris for 20 years.
Auckland Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its rich biological diversity. Five species of seabirds breed on these sub-Atlantic islands, and nowhere else in the world. In total, 126 species of birds inhabit this island. Auckland Island’s rich biodiversity also encompasses the marine environment. Therefore, UNESCO World Heritage Site status covers both the island and the 12 nautical miles of ocean surrounding it.
Islands have higher extinction rates than other ecosystems. Climate change is one of the drivers of this problem. The endangered New Zealand sea lion, found only here, is in danger of extinction. The red-billed gull is one of the most common seabirds on Auckland Island, and has unfortunately seen a 50% decline since 1983 due to climate change. The yellow-eyed penguin suffered the same fate.
Mu Ko Ang Thong is a marine national park in Thailand consisting of 42 islands. These 42 islands total 19 square miles of land and 20 square miles of water. The park was established in 1980. By law, no industrial or human activities are allowed in the national park, as it is protected as a conservation site.
Mu Ko Ang Thong is recognized as an important wetland by the Ramsar Convention. Unlike other parks where tourists can visit the corals, Mu Ko Ang Thong does not offer this experience. Shallow water associated with sedimentation of the Tapi River has darkened the water, making it impossible for corals to survive.
Mu Ko Ang Thong has unique flora such as the endemic lady’s slipper. It is also home to whale sharks, green turtles and the Pacific humpback dolphin. As with a number of other sensitive ecosystems, climate change has had a direct impact on the health and biodiversity levels of the marine park. Rising sea levels and more violent storms caused by climate change pose a direct threat to natural habitats and the survival of species.
Cocos Island
Cocos Island is a famous desert island located off the coast of Costa Rica. Its two natural harbors, Chatham Bay and Wafer Bay, were treasure hideouts popular with pirates. Therefore, the island is known as Treasure Island. Cocos Island is also a national park, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is due to its tropical rainforest and its rich cultural and historical value dating back to the 18th century. Cocos Island is also the inspiration behind Jurassic Park And Treasure Island.
Cocos Island is so rich in biodiversity that it has been nicknamed “the little Galapagos”. Species commonly found here include yellowfin tuna, hammerhead sharks and giant manta rays. The warm temperatures and humid climate create a tropical environment responsible for its rich biodiversity.
Unfortunately, climate change has had a negative impact on this biosphere. Despite this, Cocos Island still has one of the healthiest and most diverse coral reefs in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, rising temperatures due to climate change could lead to the disappearance of coral reef species. This means wildlife that relies on coral reefs for shelter could disappear.
Tetepare Island
Tetepare Island is located in the Solomon Islands. Tetepare is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest desert island in the South Pacific. It has been deserted for more than a century and a half, marred by mysterious stories. Fortunately, humans live on the neighboring islands. You can visit to learn about their culture and support their local businesses.
The lack of human influence means that wildlife thrives on Tetepare Island. It is an important breeding site for the leatherback turtle, an endangered species. Green turtles, prehensile-tailed skinks, sharks, crocodiles and dugongs also thrive here. Sustainable tourism is possible thanks to the ecolodge built with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Only a maximum of 16 people are allowed on the property at a time, limiting human impact. Climate change could disrupt this ecosystem’s coral reefs, which are among the most diverse in the world.
Aldabra Atoll
Aldabra Atoll is a remote and inaccessible island in the Seychelles. Its distance from the land is the main reason for its desert. Humans almost intervened in the 1960s when the British Ministry of Defense considered setting up a Royal Air Force relay station there.
What it lacks in human presence, it makes up for in wildlife biodiversity. It is an ecologically important place, as it is the only place in the world that is home to giant tortoises. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are only two ocean flamingo breeding sites in the world. Aldabra Island is one of them, making it a Ramsar site.
The isolation has made Aldabra Atoll a refuge for biodiversity, home to more than 400 endemic species free from human interference. The critically endangered hawksbill turtles, white-throated rails and green turtles are among the extraordinary animals that inhabit the island. Unfortunately, humans have managed to affect wildlife populations due to human-induced climate change. Warmer temperatures are reducing coral reefs in Aldabra.