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The Wildlife Conservation Unit and BirdLife International successfully completed baiting operations to eradicate Pacific rats from 13 motu including Motu Upua in the Kiritimati Central Lagoon. Four of these motu were previously rat free (Drum islets) and 3 others (Nimroona islets) had been baited in 2023 but rats (and one cat) were confirmed present likely following a reduction in the water level of the lagoon. The 14-day field mission also strengthened WCUs capability for detecting rats and cats and in the use of tools and practices to eradicate them. A suppression response for cats was initiated on Big Peninsula but requires WCU personnel to have regular access to vehicles to operationalise it. Observations of seabirds confirmed Phoenix Petrel numbers remain high for the Drum and Nimroona islets, but few nesting Red-tailed Tropicbirds were observed and may be attributable to the widespread poaching of these and other seabirds. Access to vehicles enabling reinstatement of regular patrols by WCU personnel is considered critical and could be facilitated through specialist expertise and the provision of parts in making repairs to the existing fleet. Other recommendations include a regular surveillance programme for priority islets to detect and respond to rat incursions.

This plan was prepared for the Niue Department of Environment by Pacific Biosecurity. Supported by the GEF 6 Regional Invasives Project (GEF 6 RIP) - Strengthening national and regional capacities to reduce the impact of Invasive Alien Species on globally significant biodiversity in the Pacific.

Le rapport présente les résultats de la caractérisation et la sectorisation des zones d'intervention du projet PROTEGE en Nouvelle-Calédonie au sein des trois zones prioritaires sélectionnées par le groupe technique. Ce travail de sectorisation a pour objectif de contribuer à la détermination, au sein des trois zones prioritaires, des zones d’environ 10 000 ha correspondant aux zones d’intervention optimales (ZI) pour les opérations de régulation des populations d’ongulés, en particulier de régulation professionnelle au sol et/ou héliportée. La démarche méthodologique qui a été retenue pour identifier les zones d’intervention au sein de chacune des trois Zones Prioritaires s’appuie sur la caractérisation du « risque cerf », qui représente le niveau potentiel de menace généré par les cerfs sur les différents enjeux présents au sein des ZP. Le calcul de ce niveau de risque repose sur (i) la pression "cerf", qui peut se matérialiser par le niveau d'abondance, de fréquentation, de concentration ou de niveau historique de dégradation; (ii) le degré d'enjeu du point de vue environnemental (valeur intrinsèque de la biodiversité ou services écosystémiques rendus) ou du point de vue anthropique (ex : zones agricoles).

The Ua Pou islets Pacific rat eradication operation was undertaken in August-September 2023. It attempted a global first of aerially broadcasting rodent bait by drone from a small ship in open sea across the islets of Motu Tākaè, Motu Oa, and Motu Mokohe, at Ua Pou in the Marquesas Islands. The aerial bait application resulted in only two of the three islands having bait successfully applied across their entirety, nonetheless, monitoring 12 months later has confirmed Motu Oa and Motu Tākaè are rat free as is the partially isolated section of Motu Mokohe that was also baited. The eradication success is supported by the establishment of biosecurity knowledge and practices throughout the Ua Pou communities. The results of the seabird and other environmental monitoring will help sustain a commitment over time, as well as benefiting the wider conservation community. The operation demonstrated that drones could be operated off a boat for rodent eradication purposes but was constrained by the consistently strong winds and swell conditions. A larger vessel with a deeper draught is recommended for similar operations in the future and would likely increase the number of flyable days and improve the ease with which take-offs and landings are undertaken by the drone pilots.

The development of the Territorial Invasive Species Strategy Action Plan for Pitcairn is an activity under EDF11 OCT PROTÉGÉ (“Pacific Territories Regional Project for Sustainable Ecosystem Management” or “protect” in French), an initiative designed to promote sustainable and climate-change-resilient economic development in the European Pacific overseas countries and territories by emphasising biodiversity and renewable resources. PROTÉGÉ is a regional cooperation project that supports the public policies of the four Pacific Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) – French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, and Wallis & Futuna, implemented and executed by SPREP.

Introducing 6 new Invasive animal Suppression Battler resources which are designed to enhance your expertise in planning and delivering Invasive Animal Suppression projects.

This Battler Series publication builds understanding about negative impacts of weeds in Pacific island contexts and supports the prioritisation of established, widespread weeds for management. This guide is based on training conducted by PRISMSS NENS Technical Lead Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research (MWLR), New Zealand. Tiffany Straza prepared the guide text; Lynley Hayes, Chris McGrannachan, and Quentin Paynter provided review. This publication is part of a collection of Battler guides on managing weeds in the Pacific region. For an introduction to biocontrol, read the Battler publication Use natural enemies to manage widespread weeds in the Pacific. For weeds present at low abundance, see Manage low-incidence priority weeds to conserve Pacific biodiversity.

This report assesses the feasibility of rat and cat suppression near the village of Pangatu on Mangapiko Island to protect the endangered manulavalava burrowing petrel. The project aims to increase the manulavalava population by improving breeding success.

The operational plan for the eradication of Pacific rats Rattus exulans from Motu Mokohae, Motu Takahe, & Motu Oa, at Ua Pou (combined area; 50ha, Marquesas), French Polynesia, establishes the methodology, responsibilities and tasks required for the implementation of the proposed eradication operation.

Dans le cadre du projet PROTEGE une enquête a été réalisée à Maré par l’Agence néo-Calédonienne de la Biodiversité (ANCB) auprès des chasseurs de chèvres ensauvagées. Les objectifs sont d’évaluer les pratiques et l’effort de chasse, le niveau de prélèvements, la capacité et la volonté de diversifier les techniques de chasse et à augmenter l’effort de chasse, au regard des dégâts constatés. Les chèvres ensauvagées (ou férales, Capra hircus) contribuent à la raréfaction de nombreuses espèces végétales natives et à la dispersion et au développement de plusieurs plantes introduites envahissantes. Aux Îles Loyauté des troupeaux de chèvres sont présents sur une grande partie des corniches littorales de Lifou et de Maré, où la chasse de la chèvre ensauvagée répond principalement à un besoin pour les dons et coutumes, et pour l’autoconsommation. Une pré-enquête a été réalisée par l’animateur PROTEGE (également agent de l’ANCB), afin de recenser les chasseurs de chèvres férales sur Maré et de prendre leurs contacts pour la réalisation de l’enquête. Dans un deuxième temps, l’ensemble des chasseurs de chèvres ensauvagées identifiés ont été contactés afin de répondre à l’enquête.