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.
WNBA to see if Vegas tourism can sponsor Aces players for $100K
Xie Ai'e: Always Thinking About People
China's UFC warriors proud as punch
Pic Story of Sanitation Worker as NPC Deputy
Alaves beats Getafe with both in mid
Secrets of the workout queen of middle England: 51
Top Chinese diplomat meets WPK delegation in Beijing
Helping Women Villagers Embroider Better Lives
Gaza: US, international volunteer doctors trapped in hospital by Israeli assault
Rural Veterinarian Maintains Dual Role as Vet and Internet Celebrity in NW China's Ningxia
Revealed: Meghan and Prince Harry were flown around Nigeria for free with 'top
Avid Reader Restores Ancient Books in Shenyang, NE China