December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
Scientific Sanctuary Maud Island, NZ, is Now Pest-free
Maud Island is a scientific sanctuary in the Marlborough Sounds.
In 2013, invasive mice were discovered damaging the native ecosystem on Maud Island, New Zealand. Kakapo, native insects including weta, lizards, and the endemic Maud Island Frog were in need of conservation intervention. Maud Island biodiversity ranger Frank Higgott and his partner Sue Caldwell began a program to remove the mice in 2014. After two years of dedicated work, the team has declared the island pest-free. Higgot said:
If it’s a pest-free island, all the plants and animals have the best chance to be healthy.
The removal of invasive species will allow the ecosystem to re-balance itself with little additional intervention.
It’s a huge amount of people power and team effort involved in the eradication. The sense of achievement is widely shared.
Now that the island is pest-free, the team emphasizes the importance of biosecurity. Keeping invasive species off of islands is crucial for protecting native wildlife and for ensuring ecosystem functioning.
Featured photo: Entrance to Maud island. Credit: Jeffrey Kitt
Source: Stuff
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November 28, 2023
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October 24, 2023
Hope for Globally Threatened Seabirds as BirdLife South Africa Joins Island-Ocean Connection Challenge with Marion Island
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