Change in the distribution of the indigenous grass Poa litorosa on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island following the eradication of rabbits

A dramatic expansion of the indigenous grass Poa litorosa on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island has been observed following the eradication of rabbits, rats, and mice. Previously confined to just four restricted populations, this species has now spread significantly across the island due to the release from grazing pressure. Long-term monitoring over 24 years revealed that rabbit grazing had suppressed P. litorosa growth in unfenced areas, while fenced plots showed thriving populations during peak rabbit numbers. The study highlights the unforeseen ecological impacts of invasive species eradication and underscores the importance of continued monitoring to track such changes on this UNESCO-listed site.

Williams, L., Howard, C., & Scott, J. (2016). Change in the distribution of the indigenous grass Poa litorosa on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island following the eradication of rabbits. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.150.2.1