In 2015, scientists discovered that mice were preying on albatross chicks on Marion Island, but witnessing it first-hand was rare. Researchers Stefan and Janine Schoombie documented mice attacking a defenseless albatross chick, highlighting the helplessness of both the chick and its parent. The chicks, unable to defend themselves, suffer as a result. In response, the Mouse-Free Marion Project aims to eradicate the invasive mouse population by introducing toxic baits, ultimately protecting the breeding albatross population on the island. This ambitious conservation effort is crucial for the survival of these seabirds.
As scientists our job is to not intervene, says Stefan. But we really wanted to help that bird.
It was such a hopeless situation, says Janine.
The next morning, they returned to the site to find that the chick had been joined by one of its parents but the adult bird could also do nothing.
Marion Island is a key breeding site for grey-headed, sooty and light-mantled albatrosses.
Collection
[
|
...
]