Eradication Of Rodents

From South Georgia Website

Brown rats were introduced to South Georgia by sealers and whalers and now occupy the entire north-eatern coast of the island and the southern coast at the north-west end. Mice are also present in some areas of the island. Rats predate on ground nesting birds such as the South Georgia pipit and small petrels and the South Georgia pipit is absent from all rat infested areas. The eradication of rodents from South Georgia was identified as a high priority in the GSGSSI Plan for Progress. Over the last five years the South Georgia Heritage Trust have been developing plans and raising funds to undertake the eradication. The presence of glaciers on South Georgia, which isolate sections of the island, means that the eradication can be undertaken in stages. However the rapid retreat of many of the glaciers increases the urgency of undertaking an eradication programme.

The SGHT have submitted plans to GSGSSI to start the first phase of the eradication in early 2011. Whilst the GSGSSI is fully supportive of the principal of the eradication, it also has a regulatory role and needs to be satisfied that the proposed work will be undertaken safely, with risks minimised, and with minimum impact on the environment.

• The SGHT document "Environmental Impact Assessment for the eradication of rodents from the island of South Georgia" can be downloaded here.

• The SGHT document "Operational Plan for the eradication of rodents from South Georgia: Phase 1" can be downloaded here.

• "Appendix 6: Baiting Zones And Operating Sites" can be downloaded here.

• "Impact of the use of bait manufactured by Bell Labs Inc, rather than by Animal Control Products Ltd, during Phase 1 of the South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project" can be downloaded here (Added 20/08/10).

Response To The Proposed Rat Eradication Plan Comments

03/06/10: GSGSSI and SGHT's response to the public consultation comments can be downloaded here.

(Note that this document will be updated soon with additional responses.)