Rapid commencement of ecosystem recovery following aerial baiting on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island

Abstract

Introduced rabbits have severely impacted the terrestrial ecosystem of sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. Here we describe first observations of rapid recovery of an important plant species following the commencement of a vertebrate pest eradication plan. The tussock grass Poa foliosa, a major component of the Macquarie Island landscape, has been severely impacted by rabbit grazing with large-scale reductions in cover across the island observed at times over the last 50years. Preliminary aerial baiting for rabbits and rodents commenced in winter 2010, and within 6months, we observed substantial regrowth of tussock grass. The rapid re-emergence of this grass over such a short time period following localised removal of rabbits has positive implications for the island's recovery and provides insight for restoration monitoring. © 2011 Ecological Society of Australia.