Ecological Restoration of Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island

A significant reduction in invasive species on Macquarie Island has been achieved through targeted eradication efforts. The study, funded with AUD$24.7M, successfully eliminated ship rats and house mice post-baiting, while the European rabbit population dropped from an estimated 150,000 to fewer than 30. Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) was introduced in 2011 to minimize non-target seabird mortality during aerial baiting. The project employed both aerial baiting and ground hunting, with ongoing monitoring expected for at least two years post-baiting. Early signs of vegetation recovery and increased burrownesting seabird activity were observed within six months, indicating the ecological restoration's positive impact on the island's flora and fauna.

Springer, K. (2012). Ecological Restoration of Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 25. https://doi.org/10.5070/v425110513