CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Mice accidentally introduced to a remote island near Antarctica 200 years ago are breeding out of control because of climate change, and they are eating seabirds and causing major harm in a special nature reserve with “unique biodiversity.”
Now conservationists are planning a mass extermination using helicopters and hundreds of tons of rodent poison, which needs to be dropped over every part of Marion Island’s 115 square miles (297 square kilometers) to ensure success.
If even one pregnant mouse survives, their prolific breeding ability means it may have all been for nothing.
The Mouse-Free Marion project — pest control on a grand scale — is seen as critical for the ecology of the uninhabited South African territory and the wider Southern Ocean. It would be the largest eradication of its kind if it succeeds.
Celebrity birthdays for the week of May 26
Large blaze at Auckland scrap metal site contained
Japanese factory searched over deaths possibly linked to dietary supplements
Liverpool confirms Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
Explosion at Papatoetoe industrial site
Gulf Harbour body: Homicide investigation launched, public asked to help identify victim
Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana
NZ could breach European free trade deal if it doesn't meet Paris Agreement obligations
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
Judith Collins picks up raft of ministerial positions in new government