Here’s the article in markdown format:

Conservation Status of South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands

Introduced Non-Native Species: A Growing Threat

The introduction of non-native species to South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands poses a significant threat to their fragile ecosystem. The consequences are far-reaching, with some islands more vulnerable than others.

• Approximately 70 species of flowering plants have been introduced, with 37 still extant.
• The South Sandwich Islands stand out as an exception among Sub-Antarctic islands, having no introduced non-native species.
• Biosecurity is a pressing concern due to the remote location and limited human visits to these islands.

Fishing Practices: A Major Cause of Mortality

Fishing practices in the territory have devastating consequences for seabirds. The main cause of mortality is bycatch in fishery-related activities, which has severe repercussions on albatrosses and petrels.

• Longline fishing is linked to the global decline of albatrosses and petrels, killing approximately 100,000 albatrosses and 200,000 other seabirds each year.
• Trawl fishing can also cause mortality in seabirds through collision with trawl nets and cables.
• Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing for Patagonian and Antarctic toothfish threatens serious depletion of bird populations.

Human and Animal Disturbance: Protecting the Territory’s Natural Heritage

The presence and behavior of animals and humans can significantly impact the territory’s natural heritage. Physical impacts from animals are widespread, while physical disturbance from humans is less common but still documented at certain visitor sites.

• Physical impacts from animals are mainly due to the abundant population of Antarctic fur seals trampling tussock grasses.
• Physical disturbance from humans has been documented at a few visitor sites, including path formation, trampling of delicate habitats, and divot formation on moss beds.