Island Conservation and the Invasive Species Council are working with the local community on Norfolk Island to restore habitat for native species.

Island Conservation and the Invasive Species Council are working with the local community on Norfolk Island to control existing invasive pests and prevent the introduction of new potential pest species.

Norfolk Island faces considerable threats to its forest ecosystems from invasive pests such as rodents and ants. Many species on these islands, such as the endemic Norfolk Island Green Parrot, are directly threatened with extinction by invasive pests. Seabirds once common on Norfolk Island are prevented from breeding by rats and uncontrolled cats. A lack of nutrients from nesting seabirds is believed to result in a root disease that threatens the iconic Norfolk Island pine. These pests are also threatening the livelihoods of Norfolk Islanders – they have devastating impacts on food crops – and represent an ongoing source of potential health problems. The highly invasive Argentine ants on Norfolk Island are a major concern as they can eliminate other insects, swarm and kill birds and small animals, and are a major pest for landholders.

Our organizations are providing local communities with advice and expertise on managing island invasive pest species as well as advocating for improvements in island biosecurity such as improved quarantine measures to ensure that new pest species do not become established on the island. By working directly with the local community and government agencies we aim to enhance the capacity of island communities to control and eventually eradicate pests, and to prevent the introduction of new pests.

The project is providing funding for community lead activities that increase the awareness and capacity of island communities to tackle their invasive pest problems. A group of properties in the Anson Bay area are now working together to plan and implement rodent control in important sites for seabirds and other species. The project should also help significantly reduce the loss of fruit and vegetables to rodents.

Invasive Species Council Director Andrew Cox said:

There is much that can be done to improve the biosecurity of Norfolk Island so that future pest problems can be avoided. With biosecurity for Norfolk Island coming under the jurisdiction of the Australian government we are also well-placed to promote improved biosecurity measures to the federal government.

Funding for this work was provided by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation (Eldon & Anne Foote Trust Donor Advised Program 2016) and the Packard Foundation.

Featured photo: Ray Nias on Norfolk Island. Credit: Island Conservation