Removing rats helps revive forests, birds & coral in the Marshall Islands

Mongabay
Mongabay
3M ago
57 views
The removal of invasive rats from Bikar Atoll and Jemo Islet in the Marshall Islands is leading to the recovery of forests, seabirds, and coral reefs.
Removing rats helps revive forests, birds & coral in the Marshall Islands
A What happened
The eradication of invasive rats from Bikar Atoll and Jemo Islet in the Marshall Islands has sparked a remarkable ecological revival. Previously, rats dominated the islands, decimating native flora and fauna, including the seeds of Pisonia grandis and the eggs of seabirds. In 2024, Island Conservation launched a campaign using drones to deliver targeted poison, resulting in a dramatic increase in native tree seedlings and seabird populations. Observations indicate a thriving colony of sooty terns and a successful nesting season for white terns. The resurgence of seabirds is vital, as their guano enriches the soil, promoting tree growth and benefiting coral reefs. Studies show that coral reefs near rat-free islands grow significantly faster and recover better from bleaching events. This restoration effort is a critical nature-based solution to the challenges posed by climate change, including rising sea levels and ocean warming.

Key insights

  • 1

    Ecosystem Recovery: Removing invasive rats leads to the recovery of native species and habitats.

  • 2

    Seabird Population Growth: Increased seabird populations enhance nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

  • 3

    Coral Reef Resilience: Coral reefs near rat-free islands grow faster and recover better from bleaching.

  • 4

    Climate Change Mitigation: Restoring islands helps combat climate change impacts on atolls.

Takeaways

The successful removal of rats demonstrates the potential for targeted conservation efforts to restore ecosystems and enhance biodiversity.

Topics

Climate & Environment Conservation