island ecosystems

A warming island’s mice are breeding out of control and eating seabirds. An extermination is planned

The situation on the warming island with mice breeding out of control and eating seabirds is a truly grim reminder of the impact human activity can have on delicate ecosystems. The need for an extermination plan to address this issue is evident, but the methods proposed raise some valid concerns. The use of helicopters and hundreds of tons of rodent poison is no small feat, and the potential collateral damage to the very birds conservationists are trying to protect is a real risk that cannot be ignored.

Looking back at similar situations on other islands where introduced species wreaked havoc on native wildlife, it is clear that the consequences of human actions can be devastating.… Continue reading