Benefits of Eradication


The numbers of seabirds on McKean Island (Phoenix Islands, Kiribati) have significantly increased since the eradication of the Asian rat in 2008

The numbers of seabirds on McKean Island (Phoenix Islands, Kiribati) have
significantly increased since the eradication of the Asian rat in 2008
(Photo: Ray Pierce)

The successful eradication of invasive species from islands has a significant benefit to the native biodiversity. With the removal of the competition and predation from invasive species, recovery of some native species can be rapid and spectacular.

The changes seen on the Phoenix Islands are typical of the results of invasive species eradications.

In 2006, a survey of the Phoenix Islands, Republic of Kiribati, concluded that there had been a serious decline in many native seabird species due to the presence of the Asian rat. Following the report, in 2008 Asian rats were eradicated from McKean. The following year in 2009, a post-eradication monitoring survey found clear evidence of large increases in seabird populations and a significant recovery in native vegetation.

 

Before Eradication - 2008
Phoenix Islands before eradication - 2008
(Photo: Ray Pierce)

After Eradication - 2009
Phoenix Islands after eradication - 2009

(Photo: Ray Pierce)