In 1980, a San Diego newspaper published a eulogy, of sorts, for the wildlife of Mexico’s westernmost possession—Guadalupe, a big volcanic island 150 miles off the coast of Baja California.
“Death of an Island,” read the headline. “Eaten away by goats.”
Once known as Isla de los Pájaros (or “island of the birds”), remote and rugged Guadalupe was home to more endemic bird species than any other island off the Pacific Coast of North America. That came to an end when sealers and whalers arrived in the early 1800s. They brought goats, which leveled the pine and cypress forest, and cats, which killed thousands of birds. Five of eight endemic land birds went extinct. The Guadalupe Storm-Petrel disappeared.
Mexico's Conservation Efforts Spur Dramatic Recoveries for 20+ Species of Seabirds
“Death of an Island,” read the headline. “Eaten away by goats.”
Once known as Isla de los Pájaros (or “island of the birds”), remote and rugged Guadalupe was home to more endemic bird species than any other island off the Pacific Coast of North America. That came to an end when sealers and whalers arrived in the early 1800s. They brought goats, which leveled the pine and cypress forest, and cats, which killed thousands of birds. Five of eight endemic land birds went extinct. The Guadalupe Storm-Petrel disappeared.
Mexico's Conservation Efforts Spur Dramatic Recoveries for 20+ Species of Seabirds