How did they eradicate animals from Macquarie Island?

In 2007, the Australian and Tasmanian governments jointly funded a $25 million project to eradicate pests from the 13,000-hectare island. A baiting program was undertaken, before hunters and their dogs were brought in to eradicate any surviving animals.

How are helicopters being used to get rid of the rodents in Macquarie Island?

The recommended methodology for eradicating rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island is in two parts: 1. Aerially broadcast pellet baits containing brodifacoum – a second-generation anticoagulant – by helicopter. Use of differential global positioning system computers in helicopters will ensure accurate coverage.

Why were rabbits a problem on Macquarie Island?

Rabbits consumed the large, leafy megaherbs and grasses, which lacked the ability to adapt to grazing. Extensive damage was occurring to the tall tussock grassland, resulting in a loss of breeding habitat for nesting seabirds and the destabilisation of slopes.

Are there still rabbits on Macquarie Island?

The eradication of rabbits from Macquarie Island has led to a rapid recovery of vegetation on albatross breeding colony slopes, with early improvements in the birds’ reproductive ability, and lessons for future conservation measures.

Is Macquarie Island in danger?

The threat of alien and invasive species represents a lower threat than in previous years, following The Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project, and subsequent monitoring declared no pest sightings, continued vegetation recovery response (aiding in the slowing down of land slippage) and increasing non-target species …

Who owns Macquarie Island?

the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service
Macquarie Island, the adjacent islets of Judge and Clerk and Bishop and Clerk, and all surrounding waters out to three nautical miles, is managed as a nature reserve by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS).

Can you live on Macquarie Island?

The population of the base, constituting the island’s only human inhabitants, usually varies from 20 to 40 people over the year. A heliport is located nearby. In September 2016, the Australian Antarctic Division said it would close its research station on the island in 2017.

Does anyone live on Macquarie Island?

There are no permanent human inhabitants on Macquarie Island although the Australian Antarctic Division station is occupied year round. The only access to the island is by sea.

Why is Macquarie Island in danger?

Macquarie Island under threat Feral cats (as well as other feral animals) contributed to the extinction of two native bird species – the Macquarie Island parakeet and the Macquarie Island rail – before cats were totally eradicated in 2000. Introduced rabbits, rats and mice are a growing threat on the island.

Do humans live on Macquarie Island?

How is Macquarie Island used today?

The island was a centre for seal hunting until 1919. It has no permanent human population, but a meteorologic and geologic research station has been maintained on the island since 1948, and many botanists and biologists have studied the local flora and fauna.

What is so special about Macquarie Island?

Macquarie Island is the only island in the world composed entirely of oceanic crust and rocks from the mantle, deep below the earth’s surface. It is an island of unique natural diversity, a site of major geoconservation significance and one of the truly remarkable places on earth.

When was the pest eradication project on Macquarie Island established?

Following planning undertaken in 2004-5 and 2006-7, the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project was established in June 2007 following agreement between the Tasmanian and Australian governments to jointly fund A$24.6M toward the project, following a A$100,000 donation by Peregrine Adventures and WWF Australia.

What kind of pests are on Macquarie Island?

Planning for the eradication of ship rats (Rattus rattus), house mice (Mus musculus) and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) began in 2004. Funding of AUD$24.7M was secured in 2007 for a multi-year project based on aerial baiting that targeted rabbits and rodents, followed by hunting of any surviving rabbits.

How did they get rid of Macquarie Island?

A ceremony was held in Hobart on the return of the 12-strong hunting team, including 11 hunting dogs and their handlers, who had spent the past 13 months scouring the 12 785 hectare island for signs of survivors, after an extensive baiting program in 2011.

When did they start eradicating rabbits on Macquarie Island?

Works undertaken. The Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service developed a plan for the eradication of rabbits and rodents on Macquarie Island that was approved by the federal Minister of Environment in 2006.