Justin Gilligan's Image

Justin Gilligan (Australia) uses a background of poison pellets to tell the story of the 2019 rodent removal programme on Lord Howe Island.

Justin wanted this photograph to serve as a cautionary tale of the impact of introduced species.

Black rats were accidentally introduced to Lord Howe Island in 1918 after they escaped from a grounded ship. The result was the extinction of at least 19 local bird and invertebrate species.

After a project to remove the rats, the island was officially declared rodent-free in 2023. This mummified rat was discovered when an island resident removed some decking while renovating their home.

The rat’s mummified state suggests it may have been one of the last of an estimated 300,000 that lived on Lord Howe.

With rats gone from the island, more than 30 threatened plant and animal species are recovering. This includes the endangered flightless Lord Howe woodhen, whose numbers have doubled.

How you can help

• Keep yourself informed. To encourage variety in nature, check which species are considered harmful. If you have a garden, find out which plants are good for native species and which ones have a harmful effect. Find out more about invasive species and what you can do about them.
• Help scientists understand if there’s a problem. You can monitor species in your area and submit the details to help scientists see how different areas are being affected by the introduction of new species.
• Join a conservation group. It’s best to deal with harmful species in a coordinated way, with advice and guidance, rather than trying to tackle the problem by yourself. If you’re in the UK, you can join your local Wildlife Trust or conservation society to find out how you can help.