United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Great Barrier Reef islands close after becoming overrun by rats
A group of 10 Great Barrier Reef islands have been closed off to tourism to fight an infestation of rats.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has made the Frankland Islands and Northern Barnard Islands a no-go zone for snorkeling tourists for the time being to conduct an aerial baiting programme targeting black rats on the islands.
It could take three weeks to complete, it said.
Head ranger Warrick Armstrong said the rodents pose a threat to nesting seabirds.
"They cause major extinctions and a decline in island biodiversity around the world, and we certainly know on our Australian islands they have a huge impact on nesting seabirds," Armstrong said.
"They are damaging seabird eggs, eating hatchlings. We also have visitors to campgrounds, so there’s a risk of disease that’s carried by these pest rats."
How they go over to the islands is unclear but officials believe the rats most likely came over by stowing away on ships or on floating debris such as logs during floods.
The Park Service said the South Barnard Islands had a previous infestation in 2000, which was eradicated and the number of seabirds then increased dramatically afterwards.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel