CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Mice accidentally introduced to a remote island near Antarctica 200 years ago are breeding out of control because of climate change, and they are eating seabirds and causing major harm in a special nature reserve with “unique biodiversity.”
Now conservationists are planning a mass extermination using helicopters and hundreds of tons of rodent poison, which needs to be dropped over every part of Marion Island’s 115 square miles (297 square kilometers) to ensure success.
If even one pregnant mouse survives, their prolific breeding ability means it may have all been for nothing.
The Mouse-Free Marion project — pest control on a grand scale — is seen as critical for the ecology of the uninhabited South African territory and the wider Southern Ocean. It would be the largest eradication of its kind if it succeeds.
Young Boys seals 6th Swiss soccer league title in 7 years after rallying from firing coach Wicky
New Biden administration rule aims to speed up asylum screening for limited group of migrants
Brooks Nader's ex Billy Haire is already on dating app Bumble days after divorce news
ASU scholar on leave after confrontation with woman at pro
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Beach League: 5 NFL teams will hold training camp in Southern California this year
Homeless woman was living inside Michigan rooftop store sign with computer and coffee maker
Judge orders community service, fine for North Dakota lawmaker tied to building controversy
Georgia Republicans choose Amy Kremer, organizer of pro
Senate scrambles to pass bill improving air safety and service for travelers
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
NCAA removes cap on official recruiting visits in basketball to deal with unlimited transfers