Out and about | Rats and pigs removal in Wallis and Futuna

Abstract

Small island ecosystems are unique and are often refugees for biodiversity. They rely on a fine balance between the terrestrial coastal and marine environments. This balance can be threatened by both natural and human factors introduced by humans. Rats are a leading cause for biodiversity loss on small islands communities that rely on the rich biodiversity found in coastal fisheries and reefs. These environments face a number of threats such as climate change and human activities. Invasive species found on land are an additional stressor as they can interrupt the nutrient cycle and increase erosion leading to a decline in reef health.