Podcast Summary
Seabirds face unexpected threats even in remote locations: Unexpected threats, such as invasive species, can impact seabirds in seemingly idyllic and remote locations, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts.
Even in the most seemingly idyllic and remote places, there can exist unexpected and devastating challenges. This was highlighted in a story shared on Overheard at National Geographic about a subarctic volcanic island where seabirds were being attacked by flesh-eating mice, leading to a critical conservation crisis. Seabirds, contrary to popular belief, are not just beach-goers stealing French fries or leaving messes in car parks. They live and nest in remote locations, far from human civilization. The islands they breed on serve as safe havens for them. However, the discovery of mice with the ability to scalp seabirds highlights the importance of conservation efforts, even in the most isolated places. This tale serves as a reminder that no place is immune to the impacts of invasive species or other unexpected threats.
Marion Island's Seabirds Face Threat from Exploding Mouse Population: Marion Island's seabirds, including albatross, are under threat due to an exploding mouse population, which attacks them during winter months when food is scarce, leaving them weakened and unable to fly
Marion Island, though small in size, is home to a significant number of seabird species, including four types of albatross, some of which have a wingspan of up to 10 feet. The island's isolation, due to its 1200-mile moat, provides a safe haven for these birds to nest and leave their young unattended. However, the island's peace is disrupted by mice, which were accidentally introduced by early 19th-century seal hunters. Initially, the mice and birds coexisted, but as temperatures have warmed, the mouse population has exploded, leading to attacks on the seabirds. These attacks, which occur during the winter months when food is scarce, leave the birds weakened and unable to fly, putting their survival at risk. Despite the birds' apparent indifference to the mice during the day, the attacks take a toll on their health and ability to thrive.
Albatrosses helpless against mouse attacks on Marion Island: Human intervention can have unintended consequences, and species may struggle to adapt to new threats without sufficient time or resources
The albatrosses on Marion Island are unable to protect their chicks from mouse attacks due to their lack of knowledge and instincts towards mice. The mice target the chicks' heads, causing gruesome injuries, and the albatross parents do not respond. Over time, the chicks become exhausted and give up, allowing the mice to continue their attacks. The situation worsened when scientists introduced cats to the island in the 1940s, thinking it would control the mouse population. However, the cats multiplied rapidly and became a bigger threat, killing an estimated 450,000 seabirds per year. The introduction of cats showcases the unintended consequences of human intervention and the importance of understanding the ecosystem before making changes. The albatrosses' inability to defend themselves against mice highlights the slow process of evolution and the need for adaptation in the face of new threats.
Eradicating invasive mice from remote islands: Effective methods for eradicating invasive mice from remote islands include blanketing the island with poisoned bait, but challenges include harsh weather conditions and logistical difficulties.
Eradicating invasive species from remote islands, such as Marion Island in the Southern Ocean, is a complex and challenging process. Although conservationists were successful in eliminating cats from the island in the late 1990s, they later faced a new problem with a thriving mouse population. Hunting or trapping mice en masse is not an option due to the terrain and weather conditions. Instead, the most effective method is to blanket the entire island with poisoned bait. However, even this approach comes with significant challenges, including the harsh weather conditions during winter when the mice are most susceptible to the poison, and the logistical difficulties of transporting equipment and personnel to the island. Despite these challenges, the success rate for invasive mammal eradication on islands is around 85%, making it a crucial tool in conservation efforts.
Saving native wildlife from invasive species on an island: Extensive planning, resources, and careful execution required to eradicate invasive species from an island, allowing native wildlife to thrive and restore unique ecosystems.
Eradicating invasive species from an island to save native wildlife is a complex and challenging process. It requires extensive planning, resources, and careful execution to ensure the safety of non-target species. The process can take months and involves coating and poisoning the island multiple times, keeping large quantities of bait dry and mildew-free, and implementing measures to prevent predatory birds from consuming poisoned rodents. Although there are risks involved, the potential rewards are significant as it allows native species to thrive and recover from the detrimental effects of invasive species. The success of such projects can lead to a rapid rebound of native populations and the restoration of unique ecosystems. As humans, we have the responsibility to rectify the environmental mistakes we have made in the past, even if it means facing unforeseen challenges. The consequences of introducing invasive species can be far-reaching and long-lasting, making it essential to address the issue as soon as possible.
Considering the long-term impact of our actions: Our actions, no matter how small, can have significant consequences that last for centuries. Be mindful of your impact on the world.
Our current actions, no matter how insignificant they may seem, could have far-reaching consequences that lie dormant for centuries. Using the example of Tom's photographs of a hypothetical "zombie mouse apocalypse," the podcast highlights the importance of being mindful of our impact on the world, even if we may not see the results for generations to come. The podcast also encourages listeners to engage with the content by subscribing, leaving reviews, and visiting Tom's website. Overheard at National Geographic is produced by a team of dedicated individuals and is a production of National Geographic Partners. The podcast's editorial director is Susan Goldberg, and Peter Gwen serves as the host.
