Marion Island’s brown skuas have shown unexpected behavioral changes following the eradication of feral cats, a key conservation milestone in South Africa. More than 30 years after the successful removal of invasive cats from the island, researchers have observed that the seabirds are now breeding closer to the coastline, despite a decline in prey availability. This shift in nesting behavior raises new questions about how predator-prey dynamics are evolving in the absence of feral cats, which were previously a major threat to native wildlife. The study highlights the complex ecological impacts of invasive species and the long-term challenges of conservation efforts. Scientists are now monitoring the skuas’ population trends and prey interactions to better understand the ecological balance on the island. The findings underscore the importance of ongoing research in managing ecosystems after invasive species are removed. (mg.co.za)