Macquarie Island
Country
Australia
Inscribed in
1997
Criteria
(vii)
(viii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Macquarie Island (34 km long x 5 km wide) is an oceanic island in the Southern Ocean, lying 1,500 km south-east of Tasmania and approximately halfway between Australia and the Antarctic continent. The island is the exposed crest of the undersea Macquarie Ridge, raised to its present position where the Indo-Australian tectonic plate meets the Pacific plate. It is a site of major geoconservation significance, being the only place on earth where rocks from the earth’s mantle (6 km below the ocean floor) are being actively exposed above sea-level. These unique exposures include excellent examples of pillow basalts and other extrusive rocks. © UNESCO
Summary
2020 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Low Concern
Trend
Improving
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Finalised on
02 Dec 2020
Description of values
Outstanding spectacle of wild, natural beauty
Criterion
(vii)
Macquarie Island provides an outstanding spectacle of wild, natural beauty with steep wind-sculpted escarpments which rise spectacularly to a plateau surface dotted with innumerable lakes, tarns and pools (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Extensive peat beds
Criterion
(vii)
A coastal terrace supports vast waterlogged and heavily vegetated areas, forming a mire based on deep peat beds known as ‘featherbed” (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Dramatic changes in vegetation cover due to climatic conditions
Criterion
(vii)
Changes in topography result in dramatic changes in the vegetation cover which can vary from lush grassland to sparse feldmark within the space of a few metres (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Vast congregations of wildlife
Criterion
(vii)
Huge congregations of penguins and seals form during the breeding season, with King and Gentoo Penguins remaining year-round (World Heritage Committee, 2012; State Party of Australia, 1996). The breeding population of Royal Penguins (Eudyptes schlegeli), a species endemic to Macquarie Island and nearby Bishop and Clerk Islets, is estimated at approx. 750,000 pairs (Salton et al., 2019), one of the greatest congregations of seabirds in the world. The breeding population of King Penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus), estimated at around 150,000–170,000 breeding pairs at its estimated peak in 2000 (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Unique geological features associated with oceanic crust formation
Criterion
(viii)
Macquarie Island and its outlying islets are the only place on earth where rocks from the earth’s mantle are being actively exposed above sea level, providing an exceptionally complete section of the structure and composition of both the oceanic crust and the upper mantle. In addition to giving evidence for ‘sea-floor spreading’ and tectonic processes that have operated for hundreds of millions of years, the island is the only ophiolite (a well-developed and studied geological complex) recognised to have been formed within a major ocean basin. The geology of the island is therefore considered to be the connecting link between the ophiolites of continental environments and those located within the oceanic crust (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Albatrosses, petrels and skuas
Four species of albatross, 14 (State Party of Australia, 1996) or 9 certain and 4 probable (PWS, 2006) species of petrels and brown skua (Stercorarius skua) breed on the island (World Heritage Committee, 2012; State Party of Australia, 1996; PWS, 2006; Andersson, 1999).
Imperial Shag
An endemic subspecies of Imperial Shag (Leucocarbo albiventer purpurascens) breeds on Macquarie Island and nearby Bishop and Clerk Islets. Some taxonomic debate as to whether this is a subspecies or species (State Party of Australia, 1996; PWS, 2006; DSEWPC, 2012).
Endemic flora
The island has 47 species of native vascular plants of which 4 are endemic. Three of these endemic species are listed as threatened: Macquarie Cushions (Azorella macquariensis) that have been considered a keystone species of the extensive feldmark vegetation, and 2 species of orchids (the Windswept Helmet-orchid (Corybas dienemum) and the Grooved Helmet-orchid (Corybas sulcatum)). Macquarie Island is the most southerly location recorded for naturally occurring orchids in the world (State Party of Australia,1996; PWS, 2006; Clements & Jones, 2007; Clements et al., 2007; Carmichael, 2007).
Assessment information
The current threats to the values of the property are generally low, with a few exceptions. The threat of alien and invasive species represents a lower threat than in previous years, following the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project (MIPEP), and subsequent monitoring declared successful eradication of targeted pests, continued vegetation recovery response (aiding in the slowing down of land slippage) and increasing non-target species recovery (PWS 2014; Australian Antarctic Division, 2020). Invasive redpolls and starling were predicted to increase following MIPEP and this may impact macro-invertebrates and vegetation (including seed dispersal), however these interactions have not been studied (Raymond et al., 2011). Given the high management capacity most anthropogenic threats to the island, apart from climate change, should be reduced in the short to medium-term. Continued die-back of the cushion plants – a keystone species (Whinam et al., 2014a, 2014b, Dickson et al., 2019) and continued decline of the Southern elephant seal population (Clausius et al., 2017) is likely. Climate change is now recognised as a primary causative factor in the die back of A. macquariensis, and may be having as of yet unquantified impacts on other factors which contribute to the values of the site.
Fishing / Harvesting Aquatic Resources
(Long-line fishing)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
Historically longline fishing was a major threat to seabirds (PWS, 2006; DEWR, 2006). In the Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery, fishers mainly use longline fishing gear (demersal or bottom longline) (AFMA, 2020). However, results from trials in the most recent SP report found no seabirds to be killed by fishing gear (State Party of Australia, 2013). The Australian Fisheries Management Authority state that no target, bycatch, byproduct or protected species is considered to be at high risk from the effects of fishing in the Macquarie Island demersal trawl sub-fishery, given the suite of management and conservation initiatives that are in place for the fishery (AFMA, 2019) and the fishery has received MSC certification (SCC, 2012).
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(Invasive alien plants, animals and possibly introduced pathogens)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Eight alien plant species have been recorded in the reserve in recent years, of which four species remain (Visoiu, M, 2019) and these appear to have limited ecological impact (Williams et al., 2019). Two invasive grass species appear to have been recently successfully eradicated through management actions undertaken by Tasmanian PWS staff (IUCN Consultation, 2020). Historical introductions of non-native animal species have posed threats to the island's flora and fauna of the site in the past. However, introduced weka (a predatory bird) and cats were eradicated by 1989 and 2000 respectively, and rabbits, black rats and mice by 2011 (PWS & BCB, 2007; PWS 2014). Since then, widespread recovery of the islands' vegetation has been observed (Australian Antarctic Division, 2020). Breeding populations of two alien vertebrate species remain on the island, the common redpoll (Acanthis flammea) and common starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Both are self-introduced populations presumed to have arrived from New Zealand where they are invasive species (Copson & Brothers, 2008). Redpoll and starling numbers were predicted to increase following the eradication of rats, mice and rabbits, however, these species are not monitored. Increases in redpolls and starling may threaten seed dispersal, macro-invertebrates and vegetation on the island (Raymond et al., 2011). Many non-native invertebrates also persist on Macquarie Island particularly around human dwellings and their expansion may alter nutrient cycling, pollination and competition with native invertebrates (Houghton et al., 2019). Changes to the foraging movements of predatory skuas on the island, following the eradication of rabbit prey, may augment their role in pathogen dispersal between prey colonies including the endemic Royal Penguin (Jones & Skira, 1979; Gamble et al., 2019).
Other
(Die-back of Azorella macquariensis)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Die-back of Azorella macquariensis has been a serious concern since 2009, with up to 90% of cushions in some locations being affected. A number of measures have been implemented to identify the cause of the dieback and attempt to limit its spread (SOC, 2010). A small ex-situ conservation population has been established on Macquarie Island and conservation seed accessions collected for permanent storage at the Tasmanian Seed Conservation Centre (Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, 2019). The die-back is expected to cause severe modification to the feldmark ecosystem and is likely to lead to major erosion problems and decline of associated species (TPS, 2009). The cause of the dieback has been attributed to climate change related changes in soil conditions interacting with the cushions and a likely, although as yet unidentified, pathogen (Whinam et al., 2014; Dickson et al., 2019). Although not yet fully understood, environmental changes brought about by a changing climate are widely considered to be the primary factor responsible for the dieback (IUCN Consultation, 2017; Bergstrom et al. 2015).
Solid Waste
(Plastic marine debris and other waste)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Large quantities of rubbish washed up by ocean currents are affecting the pristine beauty of the island (Osborne, 1997), and are extremely dangerous when ingested by seabirds (Birdlife, 2008). PWS has undertaken marine debris monitoring and management since 2005 (State Party of Australia, 2011; IUCN Consultation 2020).
Ocean acidification, Temperature extremes
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
Outside site
Climate change has been shown to be having effects on several levels. Changing precipitation patterns appear to be leading to increased soil moisture and slope instability (Scott & Kirkpatrick 2013), which may impact the island's endemic vegetation cover. Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) population decline has recently been linked to poor foraging success due to changing oceanic conditions perturbing prey availability (Clausius et al., 2017). Changing climate is considered to be a causative factor in the dieback of the endemic cushion plant Azorella macquariensis and could increase risk from invasive plant species by improving growing conditions (Bergstrom et al., 2015; IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Climate change has already been shown to be having effects as the island gets warmer and rainfall patterns change. For example, Southern elephant seal population decline has recently been linked to poor foraging success due to changing oceanic conditions perturbing prey availability (Clausius et al., 2017). There are also the unlikely but possible events of an oil spill or the introduction of a new alien invasive species or pathogen that could devastate this very vulnerable ecosystem, despite authorised visitation being highly regulated (especially through biosecurity measures).
Habitat Shifting/ Alteration, Ocean acidification, Temperature extremes
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Throughout(>50%)
It is reported that the mean temperature has increased by more than half a degree over the past 50 years, thus flora and fauna may have difficulty adapting. If ocean waters warm and krill are forced southward, the biodiversity that eat krill (e.g. rockhopper penguins, elephant seals) could disappear, as has happened on other sub-Antarctic islands (Osborne, 1997). Although atmospheric drying is occurring, rainfall patterns are changing and precipitation is increasing (Adams 2009) leading to an increase in soil moisture which appears to be exacerbating erosion and slope instability (Scott and Kirkpatrick 2013, Whinam et al., 2014b).
Water Pollution
(Oil spills)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
A Fuel Spill Contingency Plan has been developed for Macquarie Island by the Australian Government Department of the Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s (DAWE) AAD, and steps outlined in the management plan (PWS, 2006; State Party of Australia, 2011) to prevent and manage oil spills, which would have a huge impact on marine life.
Invasive Non-Native/ Alien Species
(New invasive species)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Protocols are in place to prevent new introductions to the island from authorized visitation (PWS, 2006) although as experience has shown, with increased human visitation it is increasingly difficult to prevent introductions (particularly plant and invertebrate species and pathogens). The Australian Government DAWE’s AAD biosecurity protocols have been significantly enhanced since 2014 with the construction of new cargo-handling and biosecurity facilities in Hobart (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
The overall threats to the values of the property are generally low, with a few exceptions. The threat of alien and invasive species represents a lower threat than in previous years, following The Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project, and subsequent monitoring declared no pest sightings, continued vegetation recovery response (aiding in the slowing down of land slippage) and increasing non-target species recovery (PWS 2014; Australian Anarctic Division, 2020). Given the high management capacity most anthropogenic threats to the island, apart from climate change, should be reduced in the short to medium-term. Continued die-back of the cushion plants – a keystone species (Whinam et al., 2014a, 2014b, Dickson et al., 2019) and continued decline of the Southern elephant seal population (Clausius et al., 2017) is likely. Ongoing improvement and vigilance in biosecurity procedures will be critical to protect the ecological gains made from pest removal. However, climate change is currently threatening some values of the site, which may increase in the future as changes in climate become more acute.
Management system
In light of changes which have occurred in the site since the current Macquarie Island Management Plan (PWS, 2006) was enforced in 2006, the plan is outdated and needs to be reviewed. A number of specific management plans also exist, e.g. Action Plan for birds (Garnett et al., 2011); long-line fishing and bycatch (DE, 2014); seals (DEH, 2004), albatrosses and giant petrels (DSEWPC, 2011) amongst others. Monitoring of the hydrogeological regime, soil moisture, land-slipping and erosion rates has been undertaken post-eradication.
Effectiveness of management system
The management system is carried out by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS). The management system is being fully implemented and monitored (State Party of Australia, 2011), albeit with a management plan due for review.
Boundaries
The property is of sufficient size and contains the necessary elements to demonstrate the key aspects of the geological processes of Macquarie Island and the outlying Bishop and Clerk and Judge and Clerk islets. All major elements of the Macquarie deformational zone are included in the property. (World Heritage Committee, 2012).
Integration into regional and national planning systems
“There is excellent coordination between all bodies / levels involved in the management of the property” (State Party of Australia, 2011).
Relationships with local people
Not applicable
Legal framework
The Island, including waters to three nautical miles, is a Tasmanian nature reserve managed by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS); waters out to 200 nautical miles to the east of the reserve are within the Australian Government managed Macquarie Island Marine Park. The Marine Park is part of the south-east network and is managed under the South-East Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network Management Plan 2013-23 (Director of National Parks, 2013). Zoning and management arrangements of the Marine Park are complementary to the management of the World Heritage site. The Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) provides overarching legal framework for the property (World Heritage Committee, 2010). The overarching management of the property is under the Macquarie Island Nature Reserve and World Heritage Area Management Plan 2006, implemented by the PWS.
Law enforcement
Enforcement of the islands visitation management protocols are highly effective. All authorised visits to Macquarie Island are well regulated, especially with regard to access and biosecurity.
Implementation of Committee decisions and recommendations
All previous committee decisions relating to Macquarie Island have been successfully addressed. In 2013 the World Heritage Committee “expressed its satisfaction about the preliminary results of the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Plan”. However, the Committee also recommended “to include the monitoring of outcomes to confirm the continued recovery of the property’s vegetation and ecosystems” (37COM 7B.11). This information is now available in the Evaluation Report: Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project (PWS 2014).
Sustainable use
Not applicable
Sustainable finance
Funding can be considered sustainable for the medium–long term as the DAWE's AAD has agreed to continue their scientific presence on Macquarie Island, and to provide up to AUD$50 million to build a new research station, including decommissioning of the old buildings. The new research station is expected to be fully operational by 2022 (Frydenberg, 2016). Further State funding would enable more effective management to international best practice standard. The AAD station is an infrastructure element that will enable support for science/research programmes, but is not funded as a management initiative per se (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Staff capacity, training, and development
Good for the medium term, for the long term the available budget is sufficient but further funding would enable more effective management to international best practice standard (State Party of Australia, 2011). Field staff positions responsible for wildlife monitoring and park management have been supplemented on the island with volunteer positions (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Education and interpretation programs
Period Report (2011) notes adequate but could be better.
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism is very limited and numbers have been variable recently, especially in light of the impacts of COVID-19 on travel. However, managers report good links with tour operators, and educational tourism visitor fees directly contribute to management. (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Monitoring
Ongoing monitoring is good (PWS, 2014). Data collection and monitoring of the hydrogeological regime, soil moisture, landslipping and erosion rates has been undertaken (Comfort, 2014). Post eradication monitoring also continues to track recovery of the island's ecosystem through annual monitoring of vegetation, seabird and marine mammal species undertaken by the PWS (Australian Antarctic Division, 2019; 2020; Visoiu, 2019).
Research
Knowledge about the values of the World Heritage site is sufficient for most key areas but gaps remain. Recently published literature from research on the island includes contributions to the field of invasion biology and eradication management (Houghton et al. 2019; Williams et al., 2019), ecology (Dickson et al., 2019; Salton et al., 2019; Travers et al 2018; Wilson et al. 2019) and island restoration (Wauchope et al., 2019). Australian Antarctic Science project 4305 (The University of Queensland) has focused on island ecosystem recovery following eradication. The project duration was from 2015-2020. It focused on skua, burrowing petrel populations and baseline changes in invertebrates and vegetation.
Current gaps in research are an assessment of the potential threats posed by invasive redpoll and starling populations on macro-invertebrate communities and vegetation (Raymond et al., 2011); and the potential ecological suitability of translocating to the island closely related species of two extinct birds, an endemic sub-species of buff banded rail (Gallirallus philippensis macquariensis) and the endemic Maquarie Island parakeet (Cyanoramphus erythrotis). These two endemic birds were driven to extinction in the 1800's following the arrival of invasive cats, rabbits and rats, and the translocation of close relatives may fill their ecological niches, and ecological functions involving seed dispersal and predation of macro-invertebrates (Taylor, 1979). To what degree redpolls and starlings already occupy these roles, or whether the two invasive species are deleterious in these roles is currently unknown. The buff-banded rail is an extant species across much of Australasia and so the species itself could be re-introduced to the island. For the Macquarie Island parakeet many closely related Cyanoramphus spp. occur on nearby New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands and may be suitable candidates for Macquarie Island translocation. Additionally, Azorella macquariensis dieback is still not fully understood, and further research is required to identify the actual mode of dieback and the likely endpoint of the current dieback event.
Current gaps in research are an assessment of the potential threats posed by invasive redpoll and starling populations on macro-invertebrate communities and vegetation (Raymond et al., 2011); and the potential ecological suitability of translocating to the island closely related species of two extinct birds, an endemic sub-species of buff banded rail (Gallirallus philippensis macquariensis) and the endemic Maquarie Island parakeet (Cyanoramphus erythrotis). These two endemic birds were driven to extinction in the 1800's following the arrival of invasive cats, rabbits and rats, and the translocation of close relatives may fill their ecological niches, and ecological functions involving seed dispersal and predation of macro-invertebrates (Taylor, 1979). To what degree redpolls and starlings already occupy these roles, or whether the two invasive species are deleterious in these roles is currently unknown. The buff-banded rail is an extant species across much of Australasia and so the species itself could be re-introduced to the island. For the Macquarie Island parakeet many closely related Cyanoramphus spp. occur on nearby New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands and may be suitable candidates for Macquarie Island translocation. Additionally, Azorella macquariensis dieback is still not fully understood, and further research is required to identify the actual mode of dieback and the likely endpoint of the current dieback event.
Protection and management on Macquarie Island is highly effective. The success of the non-native species eradication program is an excellent example of best practice in the field of invasive biology. Ongoing monitoring is being undertaken for the outcomes of the eradication programme to track the recovery of the site’s values and preparedness for future potential threats, however monitoring gaps still exist in regards to threats posed by invasive bird populations. The investment in the new research station on the island shows the long term commitment of the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy’s Australian Antarctic Division along with the Tasmanian Government (through the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment) to conserving the Outstanding Universal Value of Macquarie Island.
Assessment of the effectiveness of protection and management in addressing threats outside the site
Highly Effective
Given the marine environment which comprises the area outside of the site, the predominant management activities relate to fisheries. Major efforts have been made to ensure that long-line fishing does not harm seabirds and these seem to be having an effect.
Best practice examples
Rabbits, rats and mice have been eradicated from the island and the strategies and outcomes now contribute to the eradication success literature and can be considered an example of best practice (PWS, 2014). The monitoring of ecosystem recovery on Macquarie Island represents the gold standard in invasive biology and has shown that the eradication success alone does not guarantee ecosystems will recover to their pre-invaded state.
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Low Concern
Trend
Improving
The geological values for which the site is inscribed remain unchanged and in good condition, whilst the natural beauty and ecosystem related values are improving due to ongoing recovery of the native vegetation. The landscape is recovering in terms of vegetation cover, largely due to the successful eradication programme, with the majority of the island's vegetation rapidly returning to a natural state, except feldmark where die-back of Azorella macquariensis continues to be an issue of concern. Vast congregations of wildlife appear to be stable, with the exception of declining Southern elephant seals.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
High Concern
Trend
Data Deficient
The important biodiversity values of the property are for the most part stable and are broadly improving following the eradication of invasive animal species, with a few exceptions. Some albatross species and grey petrel are still at some risk to long-line fisheries, as they are circumpolar foragers, but risks to them within the site have reduced and grey petrel numbers and breeding success have increased in the last decade.The status of the extremely small breeding population of wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans, globally VU) with 5-10 pairs breeding on the island is currently uncertain, with relative trends in numbers and survival in the past similar to those observed in the Indian Ocean populations, prior to an apparent decline in recent years (for the conservation status of all Macquarie Island albatrosses and petrels see ACAP, 2017).
The die-back of the Macquarie cushion (Azorella macquariensis) has continued to progress and remains a growing concern, with only very limited recovery evident. In the longest and worst affected areas up to 90% of cushions have been lost. However some small areas remain which are still only lightly impacted and the level of impact is variable, particularly in the south of the island (Dickson et al., 2019). The root cause has now been attributed to climate change interacting with a pathogen (Whinam et al., 2014a; Dickson et al. 2019). The exact interactions are however not yet resolved.
The die-back of the Macquarie cushion (Azorella macquariensis) has continued to progress and remains a growing concern, with only very limited recovery evident. In the longest and worst affected areas up to 90% of cushions have been lost. However some small areas remain which are still only lightly impacted and the level of impact is variable, particularly in the south of the island (Dickson et al., 2019). The root cause has now been attributed to climate change interacting with a pathogen (Whinam et al., 2014a; Dickson et al. 2019). The exact interactions are however not yet resolved.
Additional information
Direct employment
Approximately 45 staff in summer and 15 in winter work on the island. Very moderate tourism to the island is increasing.
Fishing areas and conservation of fish stocks
The marine reserve of 3 nautical miles around the island provides a fish reserve in addition to the marine park to the east of the island, which is the largest “no-take” fishing zone in the region. The current Toothfish fishery is considered sustainable (AFMA 2017).
Wilderness and iconic features
Although very small numbers of visitors and staff benefit from this due to the high inaccessibility of the island, those that manage to get to the island can appreciate its iconic wilderness.
Importance for research
Much scientific research has been carried out on the island and will continue into the longer term. Specifically, the site has benefits for Southern Ocean atmospheric, meteorological and biological research.
Contribution to education
Although visitation is low, documentaries made on the island have addressed a far wider public. A new cohort of young researchers are active on social media and are adept at communicating and promoting the values of Macquarie Island to a broader audience (IUCN Consultation, 2020b).
History and tradition
Macquarie Island has internationally significant historic heritage with outstanding examples of early steam digester technology at several sites, such as Hurd Point, Lusitania Bay, The Isthmus and the Nuggets (Nash 2003; Carmichael, 2007).
The principal benefits are conservation of a unique wilderness with high biodiversity and geological values which have been thoroughly documented to the wider public. Knowledge generated through research and active management, such as the pest eradication campaign, has greatly benefited conservation management elsewhere.
| № | Organization | Brief description of Active Projects | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Threatened Species Recovery Hub, National Environmental Science Programme (Australian Government), Australian Antarctic Division (Australian Government), University of Tasmania, University of Queensland, Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (Tasmanian Government) | Post-eradication ecosystem monitoring Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island has been the object of Australia’s most ambitious and expensive eradication program ending in 2014, with cats, rats, mice and rabbits eradicated. The expectation is that the island’s biodiversity will bounce back, yet it is unknown how this will occur for specific species. For example, a native predator, the brown skua, lost one of its main prey source, rabbits, and several hundred were incidentally killed by eating poisoned rabbit carcasses. Monitoring the ecosystem response to eradication will inform the future management of Macquarie Island. Learning from the post-eradication response of Macquarie Island will also provide important insights that can be applied in the planning of other island eradication projects. This project will examine different aspects of species and ecosystem recovery on the island following the eradication program, including vegetation, invertebrates, threatened burrowing petrels and a native predator, the brown skua. By quantifying the benefits and impacts of the eradication, the lessons learned from our research will form important guidance for future island eradication programs in Australia and world-wide. All field work is now complete, and the project is in its final phase of publishing results. |
https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/projects/post-eradication-monitoring-on-macquarie-island
|
| 2 | Tasmanian Government Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmania PWSarks and Wildlife Service, Marine Conservation Program, and Natural and Cultural Heritage Division) | Long-term monitoring programs for a range of Macquarie Island species including: Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina); three species of Fur seal (Arctocephalus spp.); Wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans); Black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys); Grey-headed Albatross (Thalassarche chrysostoma); Light-mantled albatross (Phoebetria palpebrata): Northern Giant Petrels (Macronectes halli); Southern Giant Petrels (Macronectes giganteus); Royal penguins (Eudyptes schlegeli); King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonica); Gentoo Penguins (Pygoscelis papua); Rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome); Imperial shag (Leucocarbo albiventer purpurascens); Brown skua (Stercorarius antarcticus lonnbergi); Grey petrels (Procellaria cinerea) and several other burrow-nesting seabird species; Antarctic Terns (Sterna vittata bethunei); post-MIPEP flora recovery; and Historic Sites. |
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
ACAP (2009b). ACAP Species Assessment: Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophrys. Available at: https://www.acap.aq/en/acap-species/238-black-browed-albatr…
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| 2 |
ACAP (2009c). ACAP Species Assessment: Grey-headed Albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma. Available at: https://www.acap.aq/en/acap-species/248-grey-headed-albatro…
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| 3 |
ACAP (2009d). ACAP Species Assessment: Wandering Albatross Diomedea exulans. Available at: https://www.acap.aq/en/acap-species/304-wandering-albatross…
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| 4 |
ACAP (2017) Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, Species Assessment, available at https://acap.aq/en/acap-species
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| 5 |
ACAP.(2009a). ACAP Species Assessment: Light-mantled Albatross Phoebetria palpebrata. Available at: https://www.acap.aq/en/resources/acap-species2/255-light-ma…
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| 6 |
AFMA. (2019). Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery. [online] Available at: https://www.afma.gov.au/fisheries/macquarie-island-fishery
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| 7 |
APSTI (Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc.) (2012). Plants of Macquarie Island. http://www.apstas.com/sgaptas-treas3.htm downloaded 18 September, 2012.
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| 8 |
Andersson M. (1999). Phylogeny, Behaviour, Plumage Evolution and Neoteny in Skuas Stercorariidae. Journal of Avian Biology 30:205-215.
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| 9 |
Australian Antarctic Division. (2019). This week at Macquarie island- Spying on four breeds of magnificent albatross. [online] Available at: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/stations/ma…;(Accessed 10 February 2020).
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| 10 |
Australian Antarctic Division. (2020). This week at Macquarie Island: 7 February 2020- Vegetation recovery, 10 years on. [online] Available at: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/living-and-working/stations/ma…;(Accessed 10 February 2020).
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| 11 |
Bergstrom, D. M., Bricher, P. K., Raymond, B., Terauds, A., Doley, D., McGeoch, M. A., Whinam, J., Glen, M., Yuan, Z., Kiefer, K., Shaw, J. D., Bramely‐Alves, J., Rudman, T., Mohammed, C., Lucieer, A., Visoiu, M., Vuuren, B. J. van, & Ball, M. C. (2015). Rapid collapse of a sub-Antarctic alpine ecosystem: The role of climate and pathogens. Journal of Applied Ecology, 52(3), 774–783. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12436
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| 12 |
Bergstrom, D. M., Sharman, A., Shaw, J. D., Houghton, M., Janion-Scheepers, C., Achurch, H., & Terauds, A. (2018). Detection and eradication of a non-native Collembola incursion in a hydroponics facility in East Antarctica. Biological invasions, 20(2), 293-298
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| 13 |
BirdLife International (2012). Eudyptes schlegeli; Aptenodytes patagonicus; Pygoscelis papua; Eudyptes chrysocome. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. . Downloaded on 25 September 2012
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| 14 |
BirdLife International (2017) Data Zone Species Search, available at http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search
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