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Eradications as scientific experiments: progress in simultaneous eradications of two major invasive taxa from a Mediterranean island
Author(s) -
Ruffino Lise,
Krebs Elise,
Passetti Aurélie,
Aboucaya Annie,
Affre Laurence,
Fourcy Damien,
Lorvelec Olivier,
Barcelo Alain,
Berville Laurence,
Bigeard Nathalie,
Brousset Lenka,
Méringo Hélène De,
Gillet Pascal,
Quilliec Patricia Le,
Limouzin Yannick,
Médail Frédéric,
Meunier JeanYves,
Pascal Marine,
Pascal Michel,
Ponel Philippe,
Rifflet François,
Santelli Coralie,
Buisson Elise,
Vidal Eric
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.3786
Subject(s) - invasive species , biosecurity , biology , introduced species , biodiversity , population , ecology , taxon , mediterranean climate , environmental health , medicine
BACKGROUND Black rats, Rattus rattus , and mat‐forming iceplants, Carpobrotus aff. acinaciformis and Carpobrotus edulis , are pervasive pests on Mediterranean islands. Their cumulative impacts on native biotas alter the functioning of island ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. A report is given here of the first attempt to eradicate both taxa from a protected nature reserve in south‐eastern France (Bagaud Island). In order to minimise unwanted hazardous outcomes and produce scientific knowledge, the operations were embedded in a four‐step strategy including initial site assessment, planning, restoration and monitoring. RESULTS Trapping, which resulted in the removal of 1923 rats in 21 045 trap‐nights, made it possible to eliminate a substantial proportion of the resident rat population and to reduce the amount of rodenticide delivered in the second stage of the operation. Forty tons of Carpobrotus spp. were manually uprooted from a total area of 18 000 m 2 ; yet careful monitoring over a decade is still required to prevent germinations from the seed bank. CONCLUSION Two years after the beginning of the interventions, both eradication operations are still ongoing. Biosecurity measures have been implemented to reduce reinvasion risks of both taxa. With the long‐term monitoring of various native plants and animals, Bagaud Island will become a reference study site for scientific purposes. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry