Report on the second pigs eradication activity on Nuutele island, 11th - 15th April 2007 - Expedition

Abstract

The second pig’s eradication was a follow up activity of the first eradication as it was reported that there are still more pigs on the island that needs to be cleared off. It is a concern to remove pigs from the island because of the high risk that lies ahead on human health from the toxic bait that will kill the rats during the rat eradication operation when pigs consume this toxic bait. Assessment and advices was given that this toxic bait will affect the pigs when consuming it also people will intake the impact when they eat these affected pigs as some pigs won’t die from up taking a small amount of bait but has a potential to live and in that case they will be carrier of this toxic bait. Pigs are also on the other hand destructors of the natural biodiversity on the island particularly the plants and the landscape of the island. It is also suspected to be the worst predator of turtle eggs which also contribute to the loss of this species as this island is one of the nesting ground for turtles. This second activity was carried out on the 11th to 15th April with the assistance from the Water sector staff and a local hunter that was hired which makes this task successful.