Robert Zhao

This project considers the ecology of Christmas Island where a number of invasive species have been introduced since the first human settlements one hundred and fifty years ago. Not only did the newcomers threaten some of the island’s most imperilled species, they have also caused the extinction of others. The ecology at Christmas Island is considered unique due to its endemic flora and fauna and the presence of large populations of land crabs and seabirds, the most noteworthy fauna on the island. As a result of its unique biodiversity, exceptional endemism and the myriad of threats faced by invasive species, Christmas Island is a high value conservation area currently gazetted as a strict nature reserve.