Feasibility study on the removal of rats from Nuutele island, Samoa / Faafetai Sagapolutele

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a research project conducted on the island of Nuutele. An offshore uninhabited island lying east of the main island of Upolu, Samoa. The island is home and haven to sea birds and most endangered endemic and native land birds of Samoa. However, the invasion of the island by rat of unknown species, population and distribution has raised the concern for serious wildlife management actions to protect the islands' bio-diversity. In an attempt to investigate the feasibility of performing such an ecological management approach, a serious of field investigations were carried out from July 2000 to June 2001 on the island. These studies was funded by AusAid under the Nuutele Island Rodent Eradication Project through the Invasive Species Management Program currently coordinated and administered by SPREP. The fieldwork activities involved were coordinated and led by the author with strong technical support and advice from staff of the Department of Conservation in New Zealand. Massey University, International Wildlife Consultants. Local Consultants and staff, and the Invasive Species Management Project Manager of SPREP.