Conserving the Wandering Albatross – the World’s most Iconic Seabird: The Mouse-Free Marion Project
Marion Island is an important breeding island for 28 seabird species, including the Wandering Albatross, the world’s most iconic seabird. It is South Africa’s only Special Nature Reserve, an Important Bird & Biodiversity Area and a Ramsar site. Amongst the greatest threats to the ecology and conservation of Marion Island is the impacts of invasive House Mice. Ongoing increases in mouse densities, linked to the warmer, drier climate have depleted their main invertebrate prey, driving mice to attack albatross and petrels, including more recently adult Wandering Albatrosses. The Mouse-Free Marion Project, a collaboration between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment and BirdLife South Africa, aims to eradicate mice from the island and thereby facilitate the ecological restoration of this globally important site. The project is underpinned by research conducted at Marion Island, and elsewhere. In addition to the research, planning for the project must address a wide range of requirements, including financial, logistical, political, regulatory and legal preparations and stakeholder communications, all of which are vital to create enabling conditions for a successful eradication.
Additional Details
Webinar link - https://meet.google.com/roq-wqiw-umt
Event platform - zoom
Organizer
Mark D. Anderson has been the Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife South Africa since 2008, where he has been instrumental in transforming the organisation from near bankruptcy into a financially stable and internationally reputable NGO. His leadership has ensured the organisation’s growth and resilience, even amidst challenging economic climates.
Under his 15-year tenure, BirdLife South Africa has achieved significant conservation successes:
-
Reduced albatross fatalities: Implemented mitigation measures that reduced albatross deaths in South Africa’s trawl fishery from approximately 9,000 to fewer than 100 per year, earning international awards.
-
Birds & Renewable Energy Project: Secured funding from Investec to establish a project focused on minimizing the impact of wind and solar developments on birds and biodiversity.
-
African Penguin habitat protection: Nurtured donor relationships to secure funding for dedicated staff focusing on African Penguin research and conservation.
-
Vulture conservation: Initiated research into lead poisoning in vultures, identifying bullet fragments as a significant issue, and is now working with government, manufacturers, and hunting organisations to promote non-toxic ammunition.
-
Key Biodiversity Areas and Biodiversity Stewardship: Facilitated significant funding to protect approximately 200,000 hectares of priority grassland and estuary habitat.
-
Mouse-Free Marion Project: A tireless champion of this major initiative to eradicate mice on Marion Island, which are threatening 19 bird species. He oversees expert appointments, provides management guidance, and is pivotal in raising the projected R620 million budget for the 2028 implementation.
Prior to his CEO role, Mark was a Specialist Nature Conservation Scientist in the Northern Cape, joining in 1991 after completing his MSc (cum laude) on aardwolf eco-physiological adaptations. He is particularly renowned for his work in conserving the Lesser Flamingo population at Kamfers Dam, where his proposal for the construction of an island led to several breeding events: the first in South Africa. He also played a crucial role in advocating against a development that threatened the breeding site, ultimately saving it. His work also led to Eskom implementing measures to protect Ludwig’s Bustard and Blue Crane from power line collisions.
Mark is a prolific writer of both popular and scientific articles and a sought-after speaker on environmental issues. He has held numerous prestigious positions, including as a Director on the Wildlife & Environment Society of South Africa’s Board, Chairman of the BirdLife Africa Regional Committee, and a BirdLife International Global Council Member.
He has a strong focus on fundraising and governance, transforming BirdLife South Africa’s foundational structures. He initiated the BirdLife National Trust, which now holds an endowment of approximately R41 million, ensuring sustainable funding. He oversaw the purchase and renovation of BirdLife South Africa’s head offices, established the highly successful African Birdlife magazine, and innovated fundraising through MSC cruise ship voyages, with the recent “Flock-to-Marion” cruise raising over R7 million.
Mark Anderson is recognized for his vision, commitment, and integrity, and his collaborative approach to conservation, extending support to other South African NGOs.