Bird expert chats about his visit to Marion Island

The Umtamvuna Marine Conservancy (UMC) in Port Edward hosted a successful fundraiser featuring Dr Dave Ehlers Smith, the science and spatial planning project manager at BirdLife South Africa.

At the event held at the Port Edward Bowling Club last Thursday, Ehlers Smith delivered an engaging presentation about the abundant birdlife on South Africa’s Marion Island, which he recently visited as part of an international expedition to observe and study albatross and other seabird populations.

His informative talk offered a valuable learning opportunity for the community, enhanced by stunning photographs of the thousands of birds he witnessed in their unspoiled habitat.

He highlighted a significant threat to the bird population on Marion Island: the thousands of invasive mice that were accidentally introduced, likely by sealers in the early 19th century. These mice have had a devastating impact on the island’s ecology. If left unchecked, they could cause the local extinction of 19 of the 29 bird species currently on the island, some within the next 30 years. For more information, you can read here: https://mousefreemarion.org.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the resounding success of our Marion Island event. Your support, whether near or far, was greatly appreciated and essential to our event’s success,” said UMC chairperson Renée Alcock.

“We were truly blessed by the generosity of Port Edward’s business community. Their donations of lucky draw prizes and delicious food were more than mere contributions; they were a testament to their support for and belief in our cause. We deeply value their commitment to our event,” she said.

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