Guardians of the Atlantic: The Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands Tropical Forest Ecoregion

The Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands, located over 1,140 kilometers (700 miles) from the coast of Brazil, are part of a unique tropical forest ecoregion that plays a crucial role in the biodiversity of the Atlantic Ocean. As a part of the Neotropic ecozone and the Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests biome, this remote archipelago offers a striking example of how isolated ecosystems can harbor unique plant and animal life. The islands' history is marked by human intervention drastically altering their ecological landscape. However, ongoing conservation efforts strive to protect and restore the native flora and fauna. Understanding this ecoregion's past, present, and future highlights its importance as a biodiversity hotspot and a vital nesting site for various seabirds and marine species.

Historical Context and Environmental Impact

Before the mid-1700s, the island of Trindade was predominantly covered by a forest of Colubrina glandulosa, commonly known as glandular nakedwood. This forest once occupied around 85% of the island, forming a lush, verdant landscape supporting a rich wildlife array. However, the arrival of Portuguese colonists marked the beginning of dramatic ecological changes. Introducing non-native animals, particularly goats, led to overgrazing and severely damaging vegetation. Furthermore, human-induced fires and possible changes in volcanic activity or rainfall contributed to the die-off of the native forest. This widespread deforestation resulted in significant soil erosion, loss of habitat, and a decline in native biodiversity.

Today, remnants of the original Colubrina forest survive in only small patches on Trindade. The island's flora has shifted to consist primarily of the endemic tree fern Cyathea coelandii, which grows to about 6 meters (20 feet) in height. Other characteristic vegetation includes grasses, shrubs, herbs, and the introduced plant Peperomia beckeri. While the once-dominant forest is primarily gone, these resilient species provide some cover and habitat for the island's remaining wildlife.

Fauna: Avian Richness and Marine Life

The most striking aspect of the Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands' ecoregion is its rich avifauna, particularly its large populations of seabirds. The islands are renowned as the only Atlantic breeding site for the Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor), a species typically associated with the Indo-Pacific region. Great Frigatebirds and Lesser Frigatebirds (Fregata ariel) dominate the skies over the islands. Known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, frigatebirds often steal food from other seabirds rather than catching fish, a survival strategy adapted to their non-waterproof feathers, preventing them from diving.

The archipelago is also a breeding ground for several other seabird species, including the Trindade Petrel (Pterodroma arminjoniana), Red-footed Booby (Sula sula), Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra), Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus), Black Noddy (Anous minutus), White Tern (Gygis alba), and Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata). These species utilize the islands' cliffs and beaches for nesting, making the archipelago a critical site for seabird conservation in the Atlantic.

In addition to its avian inhabitants, Trindade Island is a key nesting site for green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas). The island supports approximately 1,800 turtle nests annually, concentrated along its 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) stretch of sandy beaches. Nesting activity peaks between January and March, drawing attention from researchers and conservationists focused on protecting this vulnerable species. The native land crab Geocarcinus lagostoma can be seen scuttling across the island's terrain, from the shoreline to the summit of Pico do Desejado, adding to the island's unique terrestrial fauna.

Conservation Challenges and Efforts

Despite its ecological significance, the Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands face considerable conservation challenges. The historical introduction of non-native species such as goats, pigs, cats, and mice has devastated native plant and animal life. These invasive species have caused the extinction of several endemic species, with at least 21 plant species and 15 animal species no longer observed since 1965. The impact of overgrazing, predation on native fauna, and habitat destruction has placed additional stress on the island's fragile ecosystems.

The Brazilian government and the Brazilian Navy have taken steps to protect the archipelago and combat these threats. The establishment of the Oceanographic Station of Trindade Island (POIT) in 1957 marked the beginning of organized efforts to study and conserve the islands' natural environment. Initiatives include the Brazilian Marine Turtle Protection and Research Program (TAMAR-IBAMA Project), which has been active on Trindade since 1982 and focuses on conserving green sea turtles and their nesting sites.

Designating the archipelago as a Natural Monument in 2002 further emphasized the need for preservation, restricting development and exploitation to safeguard the islands' unique ecosystems. While human access to the islands remains limited, ongoing research and monitoring efforts aim to restore native habitats, control invasive species, and ensure the long-term survival of the archipelago's diverse flora and fauna.

Conclusion

The Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands tropical forest ecoregion, with its unique blend of plant and animal life, stands as a testament to the resilience of nature. Despite past human-induced disruptions, these remote islands remain vital nesting grounds for seabirds and marine life, including the iconic green sea turtle. Conservation efforts, supported by scientific research and government initiatives, strive to restore and protect the archipelago's biodiversity. The ongoing preservation of the Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands highlights the importance of safeguarding isolated ecosystems that play a crucial role in global biodiversity and ecological health.