Island Guardian; Ian Hutton

Ian’s journey began in Sydney, where he developed a passion for the outdoors and nature during his boy scout days. As he grew, photography became a creative outlet for Ian, with his choice of camera gear evolving from an old 35mm camera to NIKON equipment in the 1980s. Following his schooling, he pursued a biology degree and with that came a move to Lord Howe Island. He secured a position as a weather observer with the Bureau of Meteorology, granting him the privilege of not just visiting the island, but calling it home. This marked the inception of his deep-rooted commitment to preserving its ecological treasure.

Ian’s mission wasn’t to merely enjoy the island’s natural wonders himself; it was to share them with the world. He began hosting regular lectures at the island museum, taking tourists on exploratory journeys through seashores and rainforests. Ian even became the first licensed guide to lead botanical walks to Mount Gower and low tide reef adventures. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the island’s nooks and crannies led to collaborations with scientists across diverse fields, contributing to over 60 research papers and articles. His expertise also earned him a role as a location guide for esteemed documentary projects by Channel 7 Australia, BBC England, NHK Japan, and ZDF Germany.

Ian’s tireless observations, research, and photography have coalesced into ten books about the island, including invaluable pocket guides to its unique flora and fauna. But his passion didn’t end there; it extended to providing guided tours that let visitors explore the island’s hidden gems. Through his company, Lord Howe Island Nature Tours, Ian orchestrates special-interest week-long tours, allowing small groups to uncover the island on foot, delve into its unique flora and fauna, or partake in conservation efforts.

Ian’s commitment transcends tourism. He’s been at the forefront of multiple conservation endeavours on Lord Howe Island. He spearheaded the first bush regeneration activities for volunteers in 1987, eventually leading to full week-long bush regeneration tours in 1995. His efforts contributed to establishing The Friends of Lord Howe Island in 2001, with 96 bush regeneration weeks to date, and he still guides two bush regeneration tours each year.

Seabird studies have also been a focal point for Ian. Since the 1980s, he’s meticulously recorded bird sightings and engaged in research on species like Masked Boobies, Black-Winged Petrels, and Little Shearwaters. His efforts proved pivotal in recording the first-ever breeding of Black Noddies and Little shearwaters on Lord Howe Island following the removal of feral and domestic cats in the early 1980s.

However, Ian’s conservation pursuits don’t stop at observation. He’s been a fervent advocate for raising awareness about the devastating impact of plastic on seabirds, particularly Flesh footed shearwaters.Public lectures and magazine stories became his medium for sharing his knowledge. In 2005, he conducted groundbreaking scientific research shedding light on the widespread issue of plastic ingestion by Flesh-footed shearwater chicks. He was later joined by Dr. Jennifer Lavers and their ongoing work has provided a long-term study of this problem, which led to national programs to mitigate the threat of plastics in our oceans.

Perhaps one of the most significant conservation projects Ian initiated and championed was the eradication of rodents from Lord Howe Island in 2019. Mice, introduced in the 1850s, and rats, ashore from a shipwreck in 1918, posed the gravest threat to the island’s biodiversity. The project, which had been in planning for 17 years, involved a team of international experts and locals deploying bait stations, helicopters, and sniffer dogs. It’s an exemplary case of how human intervention can reverse the damage wrought by invasive species.

The positive effects of this eradication are already tangible. The island is witnessing a resurgence of landbirds, insects, and native species like the green stag beetles and butterflies, which had been suppressed by rodents. Many seedlings of native plants are forming carpets on the forest floor, where 4 years ago the seeds were all eaten by rats before they established.

The projects Ian initiated have snowballed, and with support from state and federal governments, The LHI Board have long term plans to eliminate alien plant species entirely, not merely control them. Abseilers scour remote cliffs, and helicopters airlift workers to areas that would otherwise take hours to reach. It’s a testament to the unwavering commitment of the island’s environmental unit.

In his four decades on Lord Howe Island, Ian has become a keen observer of climate change’s impact. Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and more frequent dry summers have taken a toll on the island’s ecosystems. Of particular concern is the Gnarled Mossy Cloud Forest on Mount Gower, classified as a critically endangered ecological community. Seed predation by rodents and the changing climate have contributed to its decline.

As a means to track these changes, Ian has turned to technology, using drones to aerially map the summit forest. His documented evidence highlights the alarming loss of canopy trees and the delicate epiphytes that depend on cloud droplets for moisture.

The effects of climate change aren’t limited to the island’s forests. Coral bleaching in the lagoon and a decline in the endemic Clownfish population reveal the ocean’s response to warming seas.

Ian’s observations remind us that Lord Howe Island is not an isolated paradise but a microcosm reflecting the broader climate crisis. The island’s warming trends echo the Tasman Sea’s alarming temperature rise, with implications for its unique ecosystem. If climate change persists, these impacts will only intensify, imperilling the island’s natural legacy.

As the world unites to combat climate change, Ian’s island perspective serves as a poignant reminder. Renewable energy, reforestation, carbon emission reduction, and collective action are imperative.

Visitors to Lord Howe Island can engage with Ian Hutton in a truly unique way. Guests of Capella Lodge can book private tours with Ian, embarking on an educational and immersive journey through one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. Ian’s mission is far from over. His dedication to safeguarding Lord Howe Island’s natural legacy will endure, ensuring that this ecological paradise remains an inspiration for generations to come.

Visit website IanHutton.info for more information on Ians journey, or view and book a tour through Lord Howe Island Natures below.