Apolima Island Rat Eradication Feasibility Assessment

Abstract

This report assesses the feasibility of eradicating rats from Apolima – a 115ha island inhabited by approximately 80 people, located in the Apolima Straight between the two main islands of Samoa. The Department of Conservation led the assessment, in collaboration with Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme, and the Apolima Island community. Rats have been eradicated from similar sized tropical islands with equally challenging terrain, but the steep slopes and cliffs on Apolima require poison bait to be applied from the air to succeed. This method of broadcast baiting is the logical method for the rest of the island in combination with more careful placement of bait around the village area.