Inevitably, wildlife suffered during the military conflict in the Falkland Islands in 1982. But after the sounds of battle died away and there was time to assess the extent of the damage to wildlife it was recognised that it could have been much worse. Ian Strange, an Islands' resident, who was present throughout the occupation and conflict, here records not only the effects of the war but also of the military presence that has been maintained since it ended. As a naturalist/ conservationist he views with some disquiet the implications of the development aid that is pouring into the Islands and makes a plea that the Falklands be made an international reserve.