Barth and Trindade Island, 1957-1959

Abstract

Rudolf Barth took part in two scientific expeditions to Trindade Island, Brazil, in 1957 and 1959. As a backdrop to comments about his reports, the article tells the island's history and describes the national and world context in the 1950s. Barth warned about the environmental threats to Trindade, diagnosed its problems, and proposed solutions. He described endemic and invasive species. Aware that the brevity of his stay constrained his findings, he advocated further research at differing times of the year. Contemporary scientific practices corroborate a number of his analyses. Since the late 1950s, Trindade has served not only as a metaphor for global environmental challenges but also as a laboratory for conservationist measures.