Page 14 - Kyalami Issue 1 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26 EIA A4 ADVERT FEB 2025_2.pdf 1 2025/02/14 14:39:15
3.0 Folder (Inner)
NATURE

1900 keen birders aboard
the MSC Musica

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

Well attended lectures were given most days Y
on board by renowned experts in their field CM
who had spent much time on Marion Island. In
particular Peter Harrison MBE, and Peter Ryan, MY
both authors of numerous books on the subject, CY
showed many photographs of birds taken on CMY
the island. Some have no fear of man and will
allow the researchers to approach closely for Great-winged Shearwater Grey-headed Albatross K
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
considerably larger than other such islands Young Wondering
and the eradication plan entails using Albatross Old Wondering Albatross
helicopters 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
GRADES 000 TO 12 | INFO@STEYNCITYSCHOOL.CO.ZA | 010 597 1250 | WWW.STEYNCITYSCHOOL.CO.ZA

12 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 1 • 2025