October 29, 2025
Data Shows Endangered Palau Ground Doves Swiftly Recovering After Successful Palauan Island Conservation Effort
Astounding evidence of recovery on Ulong Island in Palau after just one year!
50 Years of Rodent Eradication–Here’s What We Learned
When rats are introduced to islands, the damage they do to the ecosystem is staggering. They become unnatural predators. Ground nesting birds, for example, are directly threatened by the invasive rats. Not equipped to defend against the new predators, these vulnerable species face endangerment and extinction.
Brown Booby Parent and Chick on Palmyra Atoll, Line Islands. Photo by Island Conservation
Rats also decimate the native flora, and can carry diseases. Unfortunately, it’s easy for people to accidentally transport rats to parts of the world they did not originally inhabit. Much more difficult is removing them–but exactly how difficult is eradication?
Native Pisonia seedlings on Palmyra Atoll, Line Islands. Prior to restoration, invasive rats consumed all native Pisonia seeds and seedlings. Today, the native plant is growing and towering overhead. Photo by Island Conservation
A new study sheds light on the removal process. Fifty years of rodent eradication in New Zealand were documented in the NZ Journal of Ecology. This documentation can help researchers and conservationists to maximize efficacy in rodent eradication and protect native species.
Read the original article The University of Auckland website.
Feature photo: Island Conservation Staff in Puerto Rico. Credit: Tommy Hall/Island Conservation
Want to learn more?
Check out other journal entries we think you might be interested in.
May 19, 2025
UNOC 3 Position Paper
Read our position paper on The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) to see why we're attending and what we aim to accomplish!
December 4, 2024
The Ebiil Society: Champions of Palau
Ann Singeo, founder of our partner organization the Ebiil Society, shares her vision for a thriving Palau and a flourishing world of indigenous science!
November 22, 2024
Permanent Commission for the South Pacific and Island Conservation Sign MOU to Protect Marine and Coastal Areas in the Southeast Pacific (CPPS)
This historic agreement aims to protect the marine and coastal areas of the Southeast Pacific.
November 18, 2024
Nukufetau Atoll Bolsters Pacific Conservation and Enhances Community Resilience by Removing Invasive Rats
Our projects to restore key islets in Nukufetau Atoll forecast climate resilience and community benefits in Tuvalu!
October 3, 2024
New Paper Shows Invasive Species Removal is a Nature-Based Solution for Climate Resilience
Island Conservation and partners have published a new paper quantifying ecosystem resilience on restored islands!
September 10, 2024
What is Climate Week?
Climate Week NYC: what is it and why is it important? Read on to find out why Island Conservation is attending this amazing event!
September 5, 2024
The Dynamic Coastlines that Change Island Futures
With sea levels on the rise, how are the coastlines of islands transforming? Read on to find out how dynamic islands really are!
December 14, 2023
Our Favorite Conservation Photos of 2023
Join us in celebrating the most amazing sights from around the world by checking out these fantastic conservation photos!
November 28, 2023
Rare Joins the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge
Rare will support the effort to restore island-ocean ecosystems by engaging the Coastal 500 network of local leaders in safeguarding biodiversity (Arlington, VA, USA) Today, international conservation organization Rare announced it has joined the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC), a global effort to…