The Bird Banter Podcast Episode #26 with Tim Larson

In Episode #26 my guest Tim Larson makes a strong case for the use of poison to eradicate mice from the Farallone Islands off the coast of California.  Rodent infestation of bird breeding islands is a huge issue. Seabirds are facing incredible pressure on their populations from overfishing, global warming, and other issues without solutions that have been proven to work.  Rodent eradication can work, but is controversial because of the use of poisons with short-term effects on other animals than the intended rodents.  Still Tim makes a case that their use is effective, proven and more humane than allowing them to continue to prey on birds who evolved to breed on islands where there were no mammalian predators.  I hope you find the episode informative. Please leave a review or leave additional comments on the BirdBanter blog post related to the episode. 

Here is a link to the Facebook page about the project. https://www.facebook.com/Farallones-House-Mouse-Eradication-Project-534040270353530/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Here is a link to an article about the successful project on the island where Tim worked and mentioned early in the episode.  https://blog.nature.org/science/2015/12/15/miracle-palmyra-rats-birds-recovery-restoration-invasive-species-hawaii-nature-wildlife/?fbclid=IwAR0iIyQeuskChvJiokAEw9B7ImDNAZvJIidVbOBto8_DAYkl1zj8kXTEoQ4 

Here is a link to a video about rodent eradication. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/on-assignment/assignment-paradise-lost-found-n572216?fbclid=IwAR1FoCNxOaSVDxpGPAv1U2jZXWCa2fTiChaP7k740Bpcp-9RsN9Uy_Muv_M

Here is the mailing address of NOAA Tim mentioned as a place to send letters in support of the project. 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230 

Until next time. 

Good birding. Good day!