The native forest on Norfolk Island provides vital habitat for the island's threatened plant and bird species, many of which are found nowhere else on the planet (also called endemic). When the British colonised Norfolk Island in 1788, they cleared much of the original vegetation. Remaining forest is now protected in the national park and reserves, but plant recruitment is poor and invasive non-native plant species would likely overtake the forest without the ongoing efforts of park managers. To preserve remaining forest, it is important to determine the main causes of declines and the most effective actions that managers can take to address these threats and restore native vegetation. Project leader Salit Kark and PhD student Leah Dann of The University of Queensland discuss this collaborative project working to protect the island's endemic and threatened species.