Conservation

It is becoming increasingly clear that biodiversity is in decline on Rapa Nui. This is due to a number of factors, including the multiple pressures on the island's fragile natural environment.

Introduction

Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is an illustrative example of an island ecosystem facing significant challenges. Despite its relatively low biodiversity, with only 48 native species, the island's high biological and ecological value is evident due to its isolation, small size, and geographic location. This paradox highlights the fragility and importance of conserving its unique ecosystem.

Maika (bananas) in an original manavai, affected by wildfires.

cons3 — Climate change affects sensitive species such as ferns.

Current Status and Threats

The native flora of Rapa Nui is under strong pressure due to several factors:
Invasive species The introduction of invasive alien species, such as "mauku piro", "toroko", "cardo", among many others, has displaced native species and competed for essential resources. These invasive species not only alter the ecological balance, but can also transmit diseases to native plants.
Wildfires Frequent and repeated forest fires on the island have destroyed large areas of native habitat. These events contribute to ecosystem fragmentation and the loss of vulnerable species. The proportion of area burned each year is gigantic and all fires are premeditated.
Uncontrolled grazing Uncontrolled grazing by cattle and horses has negatively impacted the native flora. Trampling and excessive consumption of plants have contributed to soil degradation and the reduction of vegetation cover. Animals along with fires are at the base of this spiral of destruction.
Agricultural Expansion: The expansion of agricultural activity has reduced the area available for native species, limiting their distribution and chances of survival. The conversion of natural lands for crops, grazing, and habitation has fragmented the wild ecosystem.
Climate change: Climate change has exacerbated all the threats already existing on Rapa Nui. The prolonged drought that has affected the island for the past eight years is a reflection of the impact of climate change in the region. This drought has reduced the availability of water for the plants, which has increased their susceptibility to diseases and has hindered their reproduction. Its impact is particularly noticeable in wetlands, such as Rano Raraku and Ava Ranga Uka, which used to be wild centers of flora conservation, but are now almost extinct.

Vulnerability and Conservation Urgency

The combination of these threats places Rapa Nui in a situation of extreme vulnerability. Of the 48 native species, 13 are endangered or critically endangered, and 14 are vulnerable. The loss of these species would be irreversible and would have a negative impact on the island's science, culture and ecosystem.

The disappearance of endemic species from Rapa Nui would represent an irreparable loss for science, as these species represent a unique window to evolution and adaptation in an island ecosystem.

In addition, the loss of biodiversity would have a negative impact on the Rapa Nui culture, as many of these species have an important cultural and spiritual significance for the Rapa Nui people.

cons5 — The last wild specimens of flora have survived only in areas less accessible to humans and free-ranging cattle and horses, such as the interior of the Rano Kau Wetland.

cons6 — It is urgent to rescue the genetic material of the species declared IN CRITICAL DANGER OF EXTINCTION, among them several endemic ferns.

Conservation Priorities

The conservation of the botanical biodiversity of Easter Island is a matter of urgency. The key priorities are:
Recovery of genetic material: It is crucial to safeguard endangered species by collecting and storing genetic material. This will pave the way for the potential reintroduction of these species in the future or even the development of more effective conservation strategies.
Cultural conservation: Rapa Nui's biodiversity is inextricably linked to the culture of the Rapa Nui people. The conservation of native flora must be aligned with the preservation of local culture and traditions. It is crucial to engage the Rapa Nui community in conservation efforts and to ensure that their traditional knowledge and values are respected and incorporated into management strategies.
Adaptation to climate change: Solutions are needed to address the effects of climate change, such as prolonged drought, that threaten the survival of native species. This may include the development of efficient irrigation systems, the search for more drought-resistant species, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. In terms of conservation, it postulates the need to multiply spaces to propagate species ex situ, for example through the manavai technique.