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Macquarie Island Under Threat
Rabbits and rats are posing a severe threat to World Heritage values on Macquarie Island, as research reveals widespread damage to terrestrial ecosystems. This includes destruction of vegetation (habitat for threatened albatross species and other seabirds), and catastrophic erosion. How You Can Help - further information
‘There is a horrific problem now with rabbit grazing,’ researcher Dr Jenny Scott explains. ‘I have been working on Macquarie for over twenty five years examining vegetation changes through both natural processes and the presence of rabbits. Recent changes are shocking.’ ‘New erosion damage is evident,’ Dr Scott reports ‘and this will compromise the island’s geoconservation and aesthetic values. The damage is island-wide, but my special concern is the spectacular steep coastal slopes in the south of the island. These slopes had always managed to escape rabbit damage, but now they are being literally trashed, and albatross habitat with them. The main tourist boardwalk area in the north of the island is also being devastated, which is really upsetting’. The following photographic depictions show the dramatic extent of the damage. Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island is the only island in the world composed entirely of oceanic crust and rocks from the mantle, deep beneath the earth’s surface. The geology of the island provides for its unique landforms, soils, vegetation and wildlife. Sixteen species of fauna and one plant species found on Macquarie Island are listed on the Tasmanian Threatened Species List. The area has also been listed as habitat critical to the survival of two albatross species on the Register of Critical Habitat under the Australian Government Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Four species of albatross breed on Macquarie Island, and all are vulnerable to extinction. The breeding habitat of two species of seabird listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act - blue petrels and soft- plumaged petrels - is under threat. These two species nest in burrows on the steep tussock-covered slopes, which are now being severely degraded. Both land degradation by rabbits, and rats on offshore islands, are listed as Key Threatening Processes under the EPBC Act. The Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area Management Plan 2006 recognises that the eradication of rabbits, rats and mice from the island is one of the highest conservation priorities due to their effect on biodiversity and landscape. The Australian Government Department of Environment & Heritage (DEH) and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service recently compiled the Plan for the Eradication of Rabbits and Rodents on Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. The method for proposed eradication is based on a New Zealand model that proved successful on Campbell Island where helicopters were deployed to drop baits in targeted areas. ‘At this stage the technology exists, the plan has been written, but funding is yet to be allocated,’ Dr Scott said. ‘It is very frustrating, with destruction on the island spreading as we speak’. But it won’t be cheap. The price tag to implement the program will run into millions of dollars. And what is the cost if it doesn’t go ahead? The deterioration of unique habitat? Further loss of the planet’s biodiversity? The decline of geoconservation and aesthetic values? Can we afford not to address this issue?
What can I do? The TNPA has also produced a postcard (PDF 295 Kb) that can be sent to the State and Federal Ministers. For copies of the Macquarie Island Under Threat postcard contact the TNPA at 0427 854 684 or GPO Box 2188, Hobart, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA 7001. You can use the form letter (Word doc) provided if you wish. It is more effective to compile your own letter and you may want to include the following points:
Send correspondence to: Paula Wriedt Malcolm Turnbull Further Information New Landslide Photos Highlight Rabbit Damage on Macquarie Island - Media Release - 5 Dec 2006 (PDF 102 Kb) Rabbit-induced land slides (PDF 958 Kb) Many media oulets have covered the issue, including this sample: Stateline 16 Feb 07 (transcript PDF 116 Kb) Sunday Tasmanian 17 Dec 07 (PDF 1630 Kb) Tim Jeanes, Rabbits putting albatross at risk, environmentalists warn, The World Today, ABC, Thursday, 23 November , 2006 Tasmanian Liberal senators vote against Macquarie Island rescue plan (PDF 96 Kb) ABC News Online TV transcript Jul 06 (PDF 64 Kb) ABC Online PM radiotranscript Sept 06 (PDF 92 Kb) Hobart Mercury news clip Jul 06 (PDF 60 Kb) Hobart Mercury news clip letter Sept 06 (PDF 172 Kb) NZ Herald news clip Sept 06 (PDF 88 Kb) WWF - Grey headed albatross face extinction on Macquarie Island Mercury letter from Peg Putt (PDF 32 Kb) PWS Macquarie Island fact sheet (PDF 1300 Kb) Christine Milne press release 22 Oct 06 (PDF 96 Kb) Mercury editorial 25 Oct 06 (PDF 340Kb) AAD - This Week on Macquarie Island 22 September 2006
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