The Problem

ON MARION ISLAND, TIME IS RUNNING OUT FOR THE WANDERING ALBATROSS

Nestled amidst the captivating beauty of Marion Island, a struggle for survival is underway with global significance.

Accidentally introduced by humans in the 19th century, invasive House Mice are preying on Marion Island’s globally important seabirds and invertebrates, adversely impacting the vegetation and undermining the integrity of the island’s entire ecosystem. With each passing moment, this dangerous intruder poses an ever-growing threat to the remarkable biodiversity of Marion Island, compelling an urgent response to protect this important site and its cherished seabirds.

AN ISLAND SANCTUARY IN PERIL

A warmer and drier climate over the last 30 years has contributed to an increase in the densities of mice on Marion Island each summer, causing a shortage of invertebrates, upon which the mice had been surviving in the winter months.

This shortage of food has driven mice to find other food sources. The mice found that many of the seabirds had no defence against their attacks and were “sitting ducks”.

The scale of attacks has been increasing since they were first observed in the early 2000s and has escalated dramatically in recent years.

A HOTSPOT FOR BIODIVERSITY

Islands are biodiversity hotspots, punching above their weight in the global ecosystem. Despite covering just 5.5% of the Earth’s landmass, they are teeming with life, hosting 15% of all terrestrial species and a staggering 37% of all Critically Endangered species. Around two-thirds of recent species extinctions have occurred on islands. Marion Island is a globally significant breeding site for several seabird species, some of which are listed as Endangered. However, this rich biodiversity is under significant threat. It has been projected that 19 of the 29 bird species that breed on Marion Island will become locally extinct if the mice are not eradicated.

Invasive mammals, including non-native mice like those found on Marion Island, are the primary agents of animal extinctions on islands worldwide. To counter this, eradication projects, such as the one planned for Marion Island, have proven to be the most effective conservation strategy.