Ideal models

Islands are ideal model systems to investigate the impact of climate change, invasive species and habitat transformation.

Tropical islands

Tropical islands are especially at risk from soil disturbances such as erosion due to extreme events and habitat transformation.

MSc student Dean Erasmus is investigating the diversity of Collembola of Réunion Island.

Reunion Island Fieldwork

Sub-Antarctic Islands

The sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Island Group (46°54’ S, 37°45’E) consists of Marion Island (19km long and 12 km wide) and Prince Edward Island (10 km long and 6.5km wide). These islands are approximately 1920 km south-east of Cape Town and are politically part of South Africa.

Honours student Holly Kellett is investigating the invertebrate assemblages between Marion Island and Prince Edward Island, with the latter free from invasive house mice.

Marion & Prince Edward Island Fieldwork