More than a century ago, forests could be found in the south part of the island. Some of the most unique species of plants could be found there. Today, only less than 4% of the original ecosystem remains. Of the known 168 endemic species of plants, 26 haven't been seen since 1900 and are considered extinct. The rest is usually found on adjacent islets, where goats haven't been present but their populations are in a very bad shape (ex. endemic species of palm Erythea edullis).