Page 24 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 2 2025

NATURE

1900 keen birders aboard
the MSC Musica

of the ship. These experts quickly spotted and
identified the birds as they flew past the ship,
thus enabling the rest of us to record each
sighting.

Well attended lectures were given most days
on board by renowned experts in their field
who had spent much time on Marion Island. In
particular Peter Harrison MBE, and Peter Ryan,
both authors of numerous books on the subject,
showed many photographs of birds taken on
the island. Some have no fear of man and will
allow the researchers to approach closely for Great-winged Shearwater Grey-headed Albatross
the purpose of ringing the birds or placing small
tracking devices on their backs to monitor their
flights across the oceans. Photos of birds that
had been attacked by mice were also shown,
and it was heart-breaking to see the dead and
dying birds.

The plan to eradicate mice on Marion Island
has been based on scientific research and
practical experience. Certain islands off New
Zealand, for instance, have been cleared of
mice using a specially formulated rodenticide
bait. Marion Island, at 30 000 hectares, is con-
siderably larger than other such islands and Young Wondering
the eradication plan entails using helicopters Albatross Old Wondering Albatross
that will spread the bait released from buckets
below the helicopters. This will ensure that
every potential mouse area is covered with the
bait because for the plan to be successful, all
the mice have to be eradicated in one attempt.

The birders on Flock 25 raised over a million
rand towards the MFM project, which still
however, requires further funds before the
eradication process can commence.
For further information on the project
please visit www.mousefreemarion.org
Salvin's Prion Northern Giant Petrel

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