PART 2 LORD HOWE ISLAND SERIES - FERAL ANIMAL ERADICATION AND CONTROVERSY

If you are looking for a study that contains spectacular landscapes, World Heritage Listing, interesting biodiversity and the impact of human arrival/settlement then this study fits the list. Part 1 in this series introduced the physical aspects and the biodiversity of this remote Australian island. Part 2 follows the arrival of humans (since 1788) and the deliberate or incidental introduction of animals that became feral pests. It follows the process from the label "Pacific Paradise Island to raise concerns about feral animals and their impact on the pre-1788 diversity. The successful eradication of feral pigs and goats by 2003 was carried out by an ground and aerial hunting. The process was achieved by the cooperation of NSW Wildlife and local residents.
Currently there are problems with the eradication plan to deal with the rat and mice numbers on the island. Rat and mice removal will be more difficult and goat and pig removal. Although there is general agreement on the need for eradication there are differing opinions about the 2009 Plan. Find out why. The final screen provides opportunities for students to “join” one or several of the proposed groups and use the attachments to formulate plans to remove the rodent pests. The timing of this unit (2018) means that this eradication story is incomplete. The need to remove the rodent pests has general acceptance but the method of removal is still being debated. The aim of eradication is to turn back the biodiversity clock to recover the pre-1788 biodiversity. However that possibility is already being reach because several animals have become extinct. The hope remains that endangered/vulnerable animals can be saved from extinction. The attachments provide opportunities for debate, fact finding and resolution.