Effects of an island-wide rodent eradication programme on two threatened bird species

Context For the past 50 years, rodent eradications have been conducted worldwide to reverse devastating impacts of introduced rodents on island species. However, few studies quantitatively measured effects native Aims This study investigated a eradication Lord Howe Island two birds. Methods To mitigate risk currawongs being poisoned during baiting operations, 30–40% population were taken into captivity baiting, while remaining left in wild. We studied currawong survival, nesting density and breeding success pre- post-eradication test how period captivity, removal affected currawongs. also white terns as they expected benefit from due predator reduction. Key results found that many wild disappeared densities one part significantly lower after eradication. These likely died poisoning not resighted for 2 years post-eradication. White tern did increase eradication, although their predators largely eliminated. Conclusions The captive management mitigated adverse baiting. As those survived had high success, we predict will soon recover pre-eradication size. Implications Our reinforces necessity integrating ecological monitoring future islands.