Team Rat has now reached its 2013 target, baiting a further 580 square kilometres of South Georgia, despite operating in some of the worst weather in a decade. This year's work means that the team has baited 70% of the infested area of the island.
If the £2 million needed to complete the final year of fieldwork can be raised, Team Rat can return in 2015 to bait the remaining 300 square kilometres.
Once all of the rats and mice are removed from South Georgia, scientists estimate a 100 million increase in the island's bird population.
To follow the Team's progress follow SGHT on Facebook or Twitter. Support Team Rat's work by sponsoring a hectare of the island to be cleared of rodents.
Island Foundation donates US$750,000 to Habitat Restoration Project
The announcement of further funding from this key supporter was made at a fundraising luncheon hosted by Royal Patron HRH The Princess Royal at St. James's Palace
Habitat Restorationreceives £250,000 of Defra funding
On 8th February 2012, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) awarded SGHT £250,000 of funding towards the South Georgia Habitat Restoration project. Read more on this exciting development here
Friends of South Georgia Island (FOSGI) is awarded 501(c)3 status
The Friends of South Georgia Island organisation (FOSGI) was awarded 501(c) 3 status in December 2011. US donors can make a tax-deductible donation through the website at www.fosgi.org.
Phase 1 of the Habitat Restoration Project was successfully completed in March 2011 – in just 28 days making this project the largest island rodent eradication operation ever undertakenin the world. This part of South Georgia is now believed to be rat free for the first time in two centuries.