In a landmark boost for seabird conservation, South African computer entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Shuttleworth has donated US $1 million to the Mouse-Free Marion (MFM) Project, reinforcing efforts to rid Marion Island of invasive house mice and restore habitat for vulnerable seabirds.
Mouse Menace Threatens Albatrosses, Petrels, and More
Marion Island, a remote sub-Antarctic island in the Southern Ocean, is home to globally important breeding populations of albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds. However, introduced house mice have wreaked havoc: they prey on eggs, nestlings, and even injured adult birds, pushing some species toward local extinction. The MFM Project aims to eradicate these invasive rodents, thereby restoring the island’s delicate ecological balance.
The project is a collaboration between BirdLife South Africa and South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. If successful, it will rehabilitate about 30,000 hectares of habitat and benefit over two million seabirds.
A Gift with Vision
The donation from Shuttleworth will significantly accelerate the MFM Project’s operations. According to the project’s leadership, the funds will become available in early 2026.
Shuttleworth is already known in conservation and ecotourism circles for his past support of environmental projects, including investment in the island of Príncipe, in West Africa, which he has helped promote as a model for sustainable tourism.
Anton Wolfaardt, Project Manager, expressed gratitude and said the “remarkable contribution provides a huge boost to our endeavour to restore Marion Island’s ecosystem. His generosity not only strengthens our capacity to deliver this globally significant conservation effort but also inspires others to support the protection of one of our planet’s most extraordinary wild places”.
Mark D. Anderson, CEO of BirdLife South Africa and Chair of the MFM Project’s Management Committee, noted that Shuttleworth’s commitment signals more than financial backing—it points to a deep engagement with the conservation challenge. “A few weeks ago, I had a fascinating discussion with Mark Shuttleworth about the Mouse-Free Marion Project,” said Anderson. “He asked insightful and thoughtful questions, reflecting his deep commitment to conservation. His passion is evident in his support for the protection of Príncipe Island off the west coast of Africa, and now, through his interest in our critical work to eradicate invasive House Mice from Marion Island, where they are causing devastating harm to albatrosses and petrels.”
A Turning Point for Seabird Recovery
The donation arrives at a critical juncture: the MFM team is fundraising to cover the full costs needed for a complete eradication campaign. Shuttleworth’s contribution could help galvanise further donations and lend momentum to the effort.
If successful, the restoration of Marion Island’s ecosystem will safeguard one of the most significant seabird strongholds in the Southern Hemisphere—advancing not only regional but global bird conservation goals. It’s a testament to how bold philanthropy, when aligned with rigorous science, can help turn the tide for endangered wildlife.
Mark Shuttleworth is a South African-born tech entrepreneur, currently based in the United Kingdom. He initially specialised in digital certificates and internet security, first developed in his parents’ Cape Town garage while still a student. He is the Founder and CEO of Canonical, a company involved with open-source software.
Feature image: Mark Shuttleworth speaking at the Paris Ubuntu Party, November 2009. Nitot
