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This operational plan presents the methodology and logistics for executing eradications of Pacific rats (Rattus exulans), Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and feral cats (Felis catus) in Tokelau. This document stems directly from a feasibility report completed in January 2024. For details on the site, biodiversity values, the target species etc, please refer to the feasibility report. Planning issues and dependencies that must be resolved in the planning stage of the eradication were identified in the feasibility report. Pre-eradication trials were proposed to resolve questions around tools and techniques; the methodology for these trials is developed in Section 1 below. This should be used as a “living document”, the contents of which will inevitably change as planning for the eradication proceeds and as the results of pre-eradication trials are reported.

The goal of this assessment is to assess the feasibility of permanently eradicating rats, feral cats and feral pigs from the entire territory of Tokelau and preventing the reinvasion of these species in the future. The intended audience are the decision makers of Tokelau, and, by extension, the community. The assessment will also be socialized amongst practitioners in the field of invasive mammal eradications for peer review.

We argue that Indigenous knowledge can complement and enhance science teachings, benefitting students and society in a time of considerable global challenges. We do not argue that Indigenous knowledge should usurp the role of, or be called, science. But to step from “not science” to “therefore not as (or at all) valuable and worthy of learning” is a non sequitur, based on personal values and not a scientifically defensible position.