SAVING MARION ISLAND'S SEABIRDS: THE MOUSE-FREE MARION PROJECT
Marion Island, the larger of the two sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands, is a critical breeding ground for seabirds and wildlife, including half of the world's Wandering Albatrosses. However, the island faces a severe threat from House Mice, unintentionally introduced in the 19th century. A warmer, drier climate has led to an increase in mice populations, causing them to turn to seabirds as an alternative food source. The birds, having no defence against the attacks, are at risk of local extinction if the situation continues unchecked.
Fortunately, advances in rodent eradication techniques offer hope. The South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, in collaboration with BirdLife South Africa, is working to implement an ambitious project to remove the mice and restore Marion Island’s ecosystem. In a presentation, Dr. Anton Wolfaardt, Mouse-Free Marion Project Manager, will discuss this critical initiative to save the island's seabird populations.
GUEST SPEAKER
Dr. Anton Wolfaardt has dedicated 30 years to seabird and marine conservation, starting as a seabird field researcher on Marion Island in 1994. He later worked on Dassen Island as a researcher and conservation manager, followed by a role as Regional Ecologist for CapeNature. In 2008, Anton moved to the Falkland Islands to serve as the ACAP Coordinator for the UK South Atlantic Overseas Territories, where he conducted fieldwork in South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha, and Gough Island. After returning to South Africa in 2013, he continued his seabird conservation work as an environmental consultant, lecturer, and guide. Since 2021, he has been leading the Mouse-Free Marion Project.
Join us for the last Marine Evening for 2024.
