Ascension 1998 – estimating the status of endemic plants
Lucy Webster
Ascension Island hosts ten known endemic species of vascular plant, three of which have not been seen since 1889. Of these 10, 6 were found by the team. Quadrat data was collected on each of the species and detailed data was collected for each study site, including soil samples. For 5 of the endemic species permanent quadrats were set up, which included fixed point photography to provide data for comparative study in the future. The team therefore achieved their main objective which was to provide baseline information on the status of the flora of the island in preparation for an impact study following the proposed programme to eradicate feral cats and rats from the island (co-ordinated by BirdLife).