Observations of mice predation on dark-mantled sooty albatross and Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross chicks at Gough Island

A groundbreaking observation reveals that introduced house mice (Mus musculus) are significant predators of chicks from two albatross species—Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses (Thalassarche chlororhynchos) and dark-mantled sooty albatrosses (Phoebetria fusca)—at Gough Island. This is the first documented evidence of mice preying on these summer-breeding albatross species in the region. While predation rates appear low (~2% for Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses), ongoing monitoring suggests potential escalating impacts. The study, conducted over three breeding seasons, underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts to eradicate invasive mice from Gough Island to protect these vulnerable species and others affected by this predator.

Cuthbert, R. J., Louw, H., Parker, G., Rexer-Huber, K., & Visser, P. (2013). Observations of mice predation on dark-mantled sooty albatross and Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross chicks at Gough Island. Antarctic Science, 25(6), 763–766. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0954102013000126