The potential and actual threats of introduced organisms to sub-Antarctic islands

The World Heritage listed Territories of Heard and McDonald Islands are described as containing the largest subantarctic island for which there is no evidence of flora and fauna introduced by human activity. It is important to minimise the likelihood of humans introducing plants, invertebrates and microbiota (that may become established and alter ecosystem processes) to such a special environment.

This project is examining current practices for evidence of inadvertent propagule collection and transfer during current activities. We have examined cargo and cargo loading, food and rat baiting on ships to Australia's subantarctic islands. Alien species found on cargo have been collected and are in the process of being identified and tested for viability.