Programs to eradicate invasive rats, cats, rabbits and goats have been a key to restoring the ecology on islands around the world according to a recent assessment of attempts on nearly 1,000 islands. The study by Spatz et.al, concluded that the removal of invasive species often led to a dramatic recovery of native species and their ecology. Pest control is a fundamental measure for sustainable landscapes and the protection of threatened species.
For more information see:
- A summary of the report by Patrick Greenfield in E-mc2.
- The journal article by Spatz et.al, in Scientific Reports.
Sniffer dogs were part of rabbit eradication programs on Macquarie Island. Image: ABC News, David Hudspeth.