It is widely accepted that often in conservation if you look after the habitats the species will look after themselves. However, experience has shown us on St Helena that effective conservation often depends on knowing what endemics are present and understanding something of the threats to particular species. In undertaking this study we felt that the case for conservation on the ridge outside Diana’s Peak National Park (and to some extent also within it) rested primarily on demonstrating the presence of a whole suite of endemic plants and animals and not just on a few conspicuous species that we already know to be there.

The final report of the study has now been published and the results are largely very positive. The report makes a strong case for conservation on the ridges outside Diana’s Peak National Park as well as within it.

Peaks Burrowing Spider, one of possibly six new endemic spiders for the Peaks. Photo: Philip & Myrtle Ashmole

Several species new to science have been discovered. The finds include: possibly six new endemic spiders for the peaks, five of which are wolf spiders; specially adapted plant bugs, of which their discovery was described as “one of the significant achievements of the Peaks Project” and two mirid plant hoppers from High Peak cliff.  

Howard Mendel at work on the Peaks. Photo: Philip & Myrtle Ashmole

A database produced in an earlier phase of the research showed that there are 217 known endemic species associated with the Central Peaks. This represents over half of the total endemic fauna of the island. Of these, 127 seem to be confined to the Central Peaks. The study revealed that a high proportion of the most significant endemic invertebrates that were previously found on the Central Peaks still have viable populations there. It was noted that population levels appear to be much reduced compared to 40 years ago and species not found by the study may still be present but rare or very locally distributed.

Possibly a new species: one of a group of obscure litter dwelling species, its find was described as "one of the significant achievements of the Peaks Project"

The tiny remnants of native vegetation of High Peak and the Depot still hold rich faunas making restoration of this part of the ridge a high priority. Even tiny relict populations of endemic trees still support diverse communities of endemic invertebrates, mostly associated with deadwood. However, unless the decline of these populations is reversed many of these animals, as well as the trees will be lost.

Many of the endemic species of the Peaks appear to be dependent upon the native vegetation and mostly the humid and stable microclimate provided by a closed canopy of tree fern and cabbage trees. It is for these species that protection of the original vegetation is crucial.

The report concludes “the trees and their attendant invertebrates, unique to the island, are a grave responsibility for the people and government of St Helena because they are part of a heritage for all humans and not just of Saints; we shall all be the poorer if they cannot be saved”. The good news is that the endemic invertebrate communities are benefiting from the impressive work carried out since 1995 to remove flax and other invasives and restore native forest. But, these positive findings come with words of warning. “Conservation and ecological restoration work on St Helena has outstanding successes and some failures. The key to success appears to be coherent planning and continuity of management, as well as hard work on the ground”.

Continuity of management requires adequate long term funding, and people on the ground, to ensure the continued removal of flax and other invasives and the replanting of tree ferns and cabbage trees. We therefore need to find new ways over the coming years to increase the amount of funds available for this work. In the words of Myrtle Ashmole we should “shout about it (St Helena’s unique environment), cherish it and please care for it”.

If you would like a copy of the report please contact the Director of the Trust on sth.nattrust@cwimail.sh

Related Information

Research and Conservation of flora and fauna on the Central Peaks - Project page