Subantarctic Terrestrial Conservation and Management

Aliens in the sub-Antarctic - biosecurity and climate change

“…Vegetation cover is reduced by rabbit grazing and burrowing, while summer dryness significantly affects the vegetation which has developed largely in the absence of aridity. The resulting significant reduction in plant cover facilitates wind erosion, leading to long-term or irreversible degradation of ecosystems (Whinam et al 2006, Courchamp et al 2003.…”

The nature and importance of the sub-Antarctic

“…There has been substantial warming in parts of the Southern Ocean, which is likely to have a flow-around effect on its islands. Glaciers are retreating, new land is becoming ice-free and available for colonisation by organisms already nearby on the islands; there has been reduction in the extent of some species such as Sphagnum on Macquarie Island (Whinam & Copson 2006), and an increase in others such as Acaena on Heard Island (Scott & Bergstrom 2006). However, there is a great deal not yet known about how organisms will respond to the rapidly changing conditions.…”

“…Recovery programs have achieved the eradication of cats from Marion Island (Bester et al 2002), of web and cats from Macquarie Island (Copson 1995(Copson , 2003, of rabbits and rats from lie Saint Paul and from three small islands in the lJes Kerguelen (Lebouvier & Frenot 2007), and of rats from Campbell Island (McClelland & Tyree 2004, Shepherd 2007. Quarantine measures aim to prevent further introductions (Copson & Whinam 2001, Whinam et at. 2006, and management practices are in place for the control of some of the alien species now present (Cops on & Whinam 2001, Courchamp et al 2003, Cooke et al 2004).…”