|
About | Contact | Mongabay on Facebook | Mongabay on Twitter | Subscribe |
|
|
Rat killing spree may save endangered wildlife on remote Pacific islands mongabay.com May 26, 2008
The expedition, funded by the Government of New Zealand, will seek to eliminate invasive rats from three atolls that serve as breeding grounds for millions of seabirds. The rats — which can eat eggs, kill nestlings, and devour food sources for birds — have triggered a dramatic decline in 11 species of birds. Scientists say that up to 18 species are threatened by the rats. "Time is running out for many of the seabirds found on the Phoenix Islands," said Dr Ray Pierce, the expedition leader from New Zealand. "We will focus on three atolls during this trip, which will pave the way for future restoration in the Phoenix and Line Islands." If the eradification proves successful scientists will expand the program to other atolls. "The long-term aim is to rid the Phoenix of all problematic invasive species and prevent any new introductions," said a statement from Conservation International. "Eradicating invasive species is the first step in restoring these atolls. The work will include training Phoenix Islands Protected Area management staff on further eradication efforts and raising awareness in Kiribati and the wider region about the threat of invasive species to promote stronger biosecurity."
Tags: Invasive Species birds wildlife biodiversity pacific animals in-situ conservation conservation endangered species islands environment green News index | RSS | News Feed | Twitter | Home Advertisements: Organic Apparel from Patagonia | Insect-repelling clothing
|
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 
Photos HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOS / PRINTS 
CALENDARS 
CANVAS BAGS 
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copyright mongabay 2010 Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from mongabay.com operations (server, data transfer, travel) are mitigated through an association with Anthrotect, an organization working with Afro-indigenous and Embera communities to protect forests in Colombia's Darien region. Anthrotect is protecting the habitat of mongabay's mascot: the scale-crested pygmy tyrant. |
