Mice on Marion Island face extermination to save albatrosses

Marion Island, located in the Indian Ocean, has been facing a severe ecological crisis due to an invasive mouse population that has been present since the 19th century. These mice have developed a predatory behavior towards the island's native seabirds, particularly the wandering albatrosses, which are now being attacked and eaten alive. The situation has escalated to the point where researchers have found evidence of adult albatrosses being killed by mice, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. In response to this alarming trend, conservationists have initiated the Mouse-Free Marion Project, a collaborative effort between the South African government and BirdLife South Africa. The project aims to eradicate the mouse population, which is estimated to be around 1 million individuals, by deploying 660 tons of rodenticide-laced pellets across the island. This operation is scheduled for winter 2027, a strategic timing when the mice are most vulnerable due to hunger. The plan involves using helicopters to distribute the pellets, with the goal of eliminating every last mouse to prevent any possibility of population resurgence. Mark Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa, emphasizes the critical nature of this mission, stating that even a small surviving population could lead to a return of the current crisis. The ecological balance on Marion Island has been severely disrupted, with the invasive mice not only preying on seabird chicks but also now targeting adult birds. The eradication of the mice is seen as essential for the survival of the albatrosses and other threatened seabird species, ensuring the preservation of the island's unique ecosystem.