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The Wildlife Conservation Unit and BirdLife International successfully completed baiting operations to eradicate Pacific rats from 13 motu including Motu Upua in the Kiritimati Central Lagoon. Four of these motu were previously rat free (Drum islets) and 3 others (Nimroona islets) had been baited in 2023 but rats (and one cat) were confirmed present likely following a reduction in the water level of the lagoon. The 14-day field mission also strengthened WCUs capability for detecting rats and cats and in the use of tools and practices to eradicate them. A suppression response for cats was initiated on Big Peninsula but requires WCU personnel to have regular access to vehicles to operationalise it. Observations of seabirds confirmed Phoenix Petrel numbers remain high for the Drum and Nimroona islets, but few nesting Red-tailed Tropicbirds were observed and may be attributable to the widespread poaching of these and other seabirds. Access to vehicles enabling reinstatement of regular patrols by WCU personnel is considered critical and could be facilitated through specialist expertise and the provision of parts in making repairs to the existing fleet. Other recommendations include a regular surveillance programme for priority islets to detect and respond to rat incursions.

A trailer of the documentary that captures how the people of Niue are strengthening their climate resilience by partnering with the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) to scale up efforts against invasive species.

“Restoring the Rock” is a 30-minute documentary that captures how the people of Niue are strengthening their climate resilience by partnering with the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) to scale up efforts against invasive species. First premiered on a global scale at the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, within the SPREP Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion, this inspiring film highlights Niue’s community-driven approach to protecting ecosystems and restoring coral reefs. Serving as a compelling storytelling platform, it showcases Niue’s leadership in invasive species management as a model for Pacific island nations committed to safeguarding biodiversity and building resilience.

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the documentary "Restoring the Rock" showcased Niue’s inspiring journey to build stronger island resilience through invasive species management. Now, hear directly from our panellists as they share why this work matters—protecting biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems, and creating a more resilient future for Niue. Have a listen to what panellists had to say about why this matters for nature, for communities and for island resilience. Watch their insights in this short video and discover the value of PRISMSS and community-led action in restoring the rock and strengthening island resilience.

This plan was prepared for the Niue Department of Environment by Pacific Biosecurity. Supported by the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project (GEF 6 RIP) - Strengthening national and regional capacities to reduce the impact of Invasive Alien Species on globally significant biodiversity in the Pacific.

Recent field surveys of the flora of Niue have identified three new species records for the island. Erigeron bellioides DC. (Asteraceae) and Psidium cattleyanum Sabine (Myrtaceae) are new naturalised records and Crepidomanes saxifragoides (C.Presl) P.S.Green (Hymenophyllaceae) is an addition to the indigenous flora.

The Pacific Island nations of Niue and Tonga are leading global efforts to expand the management of invasive species at a large-landscape scale and increase the resilience of their ecosystems and communities to the impacts of climate change. Niue’s Environment Minister, Hon. Mona Ainuu, recently made an ambitious pledge for the country to control four priority invasive species by 2030, including Taro Vine, rats, feral pigs, and the coral eating Drupella snail. This work will help to enhance Niue’s premium ecotourism brand and directly support the provision of green jobs. Tonga has also pledged to expand the management of priority invasive species at a large-landscape scale following the successful eradication of rats from Late Island, the largest eradication ever undertaken in the Pacific Islands region. Studies have shown that, once rats are removed, the nutrients from returning seabird populations restore the climate resilience of coral reefs and increase the productivity of fish stocks by up to 50%. Tonga’s plans to scale-up the management of priority invasive species will help expand its national park system, provide refugia for 95% of the country’s biodiversity, and directly increase the climate resilience of its ecosystems and communities.

The Pacific Island nations of Niue and Tonga are leading global efforts to expand the management of invasive species at a large-landscape scale and increase the resilience of their ecosystems and communities to the impacts of climate change. Niue’s Environment Minister, Hon. Mona Ainuu, recently made an ambitious pledge for the country to control four priority invasive species by 2030, including Taro Vine, rats, feral pigs, and the coral eating Drupella snail. This work will help to enhance Niue’s premium ecotourism brand and directly support the provision of green jobs. Tonga has also pledged to expand the management of priority invasive species at a large-landscape scale following the successful eradication of rats from Late Island, the largest eradication ever undertaken in the Pacific Islands region. Studies have shown that, once rats are removed, the nutrients from returning seabird populations restore the climate resilience of coral reefs and increase the productivity of fish stocks by up to 50%. Tonga’s plans to scale-up the management of priority invasive species will help expand its national park system, provide refugia for 95% of the country’s biodiversity, and directly increase the climate resilience of its ecosystems and communities.

Niue's Minsiter of Natural Resources, Mona Ainuu pledges to work with SPREP and PRISMSS to recognize and scale up the management of invasive species.

The GEF 6 RIP project has supported Niue in its mission to be the first island nation in the world to control invasive species at a national level by 2030. This includes the eradication of feral pigs as they are impact heavily on food security by destroying the environment, forage the forest floor and eat alot of the seedlings. The lack of resourcing, capability and capacity on the island has been alleviated because of the support from GEF 6