Exotic species face stronger threat on islands closer to mainland.
The article explores the Theory of Island Biogeography on islands near New Zealand. The researchers studied the plant species on these islands and used GIS technology to analyze their geography. They found that both native and exotic species followed similar patterns in relation to island size and distance from the mainland. However, exotic species were more affected by isolation, with fewer of them found on more distant islands. This suggests that efforts to control invasive species should focus on larger islands closer to the mainland. This study provides valuable insights for conservation efforts in the Hawaiki archipelago and highlights the importance of understanding how exotic species spread to protect native ecosystems.