THE CHRISTMAS ISLAND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME

Abstract

Christmas Island is an Australian territory in the Indian Ocean. Phosphate mining operations have resulted in clearing of about one quarter of the island's rainforest. Christmas Island National Park, declared in 1980, now covers 63% of the island's area. Following the closure of the phosphate mining operation in 1987, the Australian Nature Conservation Agency commenced a rehabilitation programme. The main objective of the programme is to rehabilitate and protect remaining habitats of the endangered seabird, Abbott's booby (Sula abbotti). The rehabilitation method is described.