Norfolk Island (South Pacific) has some of the world’s rarest plant species. Of the 182 native plant species, 43 are endemic; that is they occur naturally nowhere else, 47 are listed nationally under Australian law as extinct or threatened and 30 more are already extinct, threatened or rare on the island. This book provides information (with illustrations) on each of the native species and some of the most important introduced plants which grow wild on the island. It also contains a chapter on the cultural use of plants from 1856. The book has previously unpublished paintings by John Doody from 1792 and paintings by famous botanical artist Ferdinand Bauer from 1804 in addition to more than 400 photographs. 192 pages 170 x 227 mm, full colour, with references and index.

"This book tells the story of the language of the Bounty mutineers and their Polynesian consorts that developed on remote Pitcairn Island in the late 18th century. Most of their descendants subsequently relocated to Norfolk Island. It is an in-depth study of the complex linguistic, ecological and sociohistorical forces that have been involved in the formation and subsequent development of this unique endangered language on both islands."--Publisher's description

Norfolk Island is a small island located in the southern Pacific Ocean, between New Zealand and New Caledonia. It is a self-governing territory of Australia, with its own unique culture and history. The island was first settled by Polynesian and Melanesian peoples thousands of years ago, but was later discovered by British explorer Captain James Cook in 1774. The island was subsequently used as a penal colony by the British government, and many of the present-day residents are descendants of the convicts and their jailers. Today, Norfolk Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, laid-back lifestyle, and rich history. Visitors can explore the island’s many historic sites, including the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including the Norfolk Island pine, which only grows on the island. In addition, Norfolk Island has a thriving arts and crafts scene, with many local artists creating jewelry, pottery, and other handmade items.

An outstanding and spectacular example of the devastation which feral animals – pigs, goats and rabbits – can cause, and the ecological restoration which can be achieved with hard work and frequent risks. Access to this remote island was difficult and often dangerous and all materials had be unloaded from the boat onto slippery rocks, handled up the surrounding cliffs and back-packed across the island. Diverse eradication techniques, using swimming, rock-climbing and archery for inaccessible sites, removed the last of the feral grazers. Revegetation and faunal recovery have been remarkable. This small island is the only natural habitat of some of the world’s rarest plant species. One was unknown to science previously, another was believed extinct, while a third has only one genetic individual in the wild. The number of bird species on the island has doubled. This book describes the geological, natural and human history of the island, the pest eradication program, and the extraordinary environmental response. It was very favourably reviewed in the international journal Restoration Ecology in 2014. Prices are for PDF file version. Paperback version also available.