Seabirds on a Pacific island recover after rats are removed in 2005
In short
- Invasive rodents were eradicated from Surprise Island in 2005.
- Researchers monitored seven seabird species over the following decades.
- Noddy breeding pairs rose significantly, while red-footed boobies recovered more gradually.
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Invasive rodents had been reducing the island's seabird life for years. After their eradication, researchers tracked seven species and documented their recovery over time. Some species responded quickly, while others needed longer observation to show clear gains.
From Times of India
The successful eradication of invasive rodents in 2005 has greatly influenced seabird populations on Surprise Island. Researchers closely monitored seven seabird species to document their recovery post-eradication. While some species thrived quickly, others needed more extended observation to show signs of improvement. Notably, noddies saw a significant increase in breeding pairs, whereas red-footed boobies showed a more gradual recovery.
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For kids
A long time ago, rats came to a Pacific island and bothered the seabirds that lived there. In 2005, people removed the rats. Over many years, the seabirds came back, and some grew in number up to ten times bigger. Talk about it: what do you think helped the birds come back?
