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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.

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.

The Ua Pou islets Pacific rat eradication operation was undertaken in August-September 2023. It attempted a global first of aerially broadcasting rodent bait by drone from a small ship in open sea across the islets of Motu Tākaè, Motu Oa, and Motu Mokohe, at Ua Pou in the Marquesas Islands. The aerial bait application resulted in only two of the three islands having bait successfully applied across their entirety, nonetheless, monitoring 12 months later has confirmed Motu Oa and Motu Tākaè are rat free as is the partially isolated section of Motu Mokohe that was also baited. The eradication success is supported by the establishment of biosecurity knowledge and practices throughout the Ua Pou communities. The results of the seabird and other environmental monitoring will help sustain a commitment over time, as well as benefiting the wider conservation community. The operation demonstrated that drones could be operated off a boat for rodent eradication purposes but was constrained by the consistently strong winds and swell conditions. A larger vessel with a deeper draught is recommended for similar operations in the future and would likely increase the number of flyable days and improve the ease with which take-offs and landings are undertaken by the drone pilots.

The development of the Territorial Invasive Species Strategy Action Plan for Pitcairn is an activity under EDF11 OCT PROTÉGÉ (“Pacific Territories Regional Project for Sustainable Ecosystem Management” or “protect” in French), an initiative designed to promote sustainable and climate-change-resilient economic development in the European Pacific overseas countries and territories by emphasising biodiversity and renewable resources. PROTÉGÉ is a regional cooperation project that supports the public policies of the four Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) – French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, and Wallis & Futuna, implemented and executed by SPREP.

Introducing 6 new Invasive animal Suppression Battler resources which are designed to enhance your expertise in planning and delivering Invasive Animal Suppression projects.

This Battler Series publication builds understanding about negative impacts of weeds in Pacific island contexts and supports the prioritisation of established, widespread weeds for management. This guide is based on training conducted by PRISMSS NENS Technical Lead Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research (MWLR), New Zealand. Tiffany Straza prepared the guide text; Lynley Hayes, Chris McGrannachan, and Quentin Paynter provided review. This publication is part of a collection of Battler guides on managing weeds in the Pacific region. For an introduction to biocontrol, read the Battler publication Use natural enemies to manage widespread weeds in the Pacific. For weeds present at low abundance, see Manage low-incidence priority weeds to conserve Pacific biodiversity.

This report assesses the feasibility of rat and cat suppression near the village of Pangatu on Mangapiko Island to protect the endangered manulavalava burrowing petrel. The project aims to increase the manulavalava population by improving breeding success.

The operational plan for the eradication of Pacific rats Rattus exulans from Motu Mokohae, Motu Takahe, & Motu Oa, at Ua Pou (combined area; 50ha, Marquesas), French Polynesia, establishes the methodology, responsibilities and tasks required for the implementation of the proposed eradication operation.

The NISSAP aims to protect the RMI’s natural resources, environment, and communities from the impact of invasive species. Further, it seeks to enhance and strengthen cooperation and coordination to combat invasive species by improving public awareness, enhancing capacity for managing and preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The NISSAP includes an overview of the current situation of invasive species in the RMI and identifies the process for their management. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce will implement the NISSAP in cooperation with key stakeholders and partners.

This report assesses the feasibility of eradicating rats from Apolima – a 115ha island inhabited by approximately 80 people, located in the Apolima Straight between the two main islands of Samoa. The Department of Conservation led the assessment, in collaboration with Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and the Apolima Island community. Rats have been eradicated from similar sized tropical islands with equally challenging terrain, but the steep slopes and cliffs on Apolima require poison bait to be applied from the air to succeed. This method of broadcast baiting is the logical method for the rest of the island in combination with more careful placement of bait around the village area.