Search

This chapter reviews the knowledge we have so far about the biodiversity present in the islets of the Cabrera Archipelago and their functioning. The islets represent 'island natural microcosms' that can help us understand ecological and evolutionary processes occurring due to rapid environmental changes. We compile, for the first time, the total number of species from different taxonomic groups that have been cited in these islets, and discuss the effect of seabird colonies as well as that of herbivores and predators on the biota. We also emphasize the peculiar interactions that occur in such ecosystems, and justify the importance of preserving them as wild as possible as they are true sanctuaries of biodiversity. On the islets of Cabrera, for instance, we find plant species (e.g., Beta maritima, Medigaco citrina, Whitania frutescens, Diplotaxis ibicensis, Lavatera maritima) which are common in them while in Cabrera Gran they constitute very small populations. Islets hold a good group of species endemic to the Balearic Islands and even some endemic to the Cabrera archipelago. Islets generally have a great abundance of seabirds and are therefore ideal scenarios for studying their impact on terrestrial trophic webs. Seabirds can also disperse seeds, especially gulls, potentially leading to the invasion by cosmopolitan plant species and to a decrease of native species. Islets could be considered potential repositories for future translocations and reintroductions of locally extinct species to larger and poorer neighboring islands, thus functioning as safe and effective refuges for vulnerable interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]