Located in the British Antarctic Territory, South Georgia Island has educed a rat problem. Prior to the 19th century, seabirds were able to breed and find shelter easily. Due to the increase in whaling and sealing, the rats were transported from the ships onto the island wrecking major ecological havoc. Because seabirds nestle on the ground, the rats were able to prey on the birds and their eggs with ease. According to Tony Martin, leader of the rat eradication campaign "The island has less than one percent of its original seabird population, and that is down to rats."
The goal is to make South Georgia Island 100% rat free and restore island to its previous healthy condition. The team has been working for months now spreading rat poison over the entire island via helicopter. However, it is extremely difficult to kill of one species without indirectly harming another. For example, it is possible for the seabirds to consume stricken rats and become sick themselves. The poisoned pellets could also be consumed by the birds but compared to the thousands of chicks killed by rats alone each year, this eradication method is the safest and most effective so far.
In my opinion, I see this as a human induced problem; therefore, humans are responsible for taking all measures necessary in order to save the birds. The rat poison is not water soluble so it cannot leak into groundwater and poison the waterways. Also, most rats typically retreat to their underground burrows prior to death so although it is possible for a seabird to consume an ill rat, it is highly unlikely. Overall, I strongly support the rat eradication campaign.
Link to article: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/07/130729-rats-islands-invasive-species-animals-environment/
Hannah, I completely agree with your solution and agree that this is a huge problem. However, I know that there are more than one kind of poisons. So, there would need to be a poison that kills them a little after they consume it to insure they do retreat into their burrows. Also, extra precautions should be insured that no other animals consume the poisons. This could be done by putting the poison near the rats’ dens. Another solution could be to add a predator that eats rats such as hawks which can be domestically trained. If this solution is chosen it would be wise not to use poison so it will not harm the hawks. But, I think you are on the right track and I am glad that you brought this issue forward.
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