Ascension Island

Ascension has suffered more than most islands from human introductions, and as a result has lost almost all of its nesting seabird colonies and most of its endemic plants. The majority of the island is volcanic, with very little vegetation of any kind. Only the central peak, Green Mountain, supports significant plant communities, and here the majority of species are alien.

The MSBP is working with the Government Conservation Department to conserve the few native seed-bearing plants still found on the island.

The endemic Ascension Spurge (Euphorbia origanoides) and a grass, Sporobolus caespitosus, were collected on a recent trip. The FCO grant is also funding the development of a propagation facility for some of the endemic and threatened fern species.