Tokelau Kimoa/Rat, Feral Pig and Feral Cat Eradication Feasibility Assessment.

Abstract

Eradication of rodents, feral pigs and feral cats from Tokelau would bring many benefits, both to terrestrial and marine biodiversity and to the livelihoods and well-being of the community. The restoration of native biodiversity following the removal of invasive mammals is a nature-based solution to maximise the resilience of the islands to the threats posed by human-induced climate change. The proposed eradication is sustainable if biosecurity measures are improved and maintained for the movement of people and goods between Apia (Samoa) and each nuku, and if long-term management can prevent the reintroduction of domestic pigs and cats onto the motu. The eradication is achievable provided that the community agree with the proposed methodology and are willing to support all recommendations. The key dependency is the acceptability to the community of slaughtering all or most of the domestic pigs prior to the eradication of rodents and restocking the communal pig pens only after the caution period has expired. The proposed eradication is technically feasible and within the current limitations of a range of tools. This document will be submitted for consideration to the Taupulega of each nuku and other stakeholders. The dependencies summarised in section 8 will need to be considered carefully as these must be resolved before a Tokelau-wide eradication can proceed. If the proposal is considered acceptable then a trial eradication using ground-based techniques could be conducted on several islets during 2024. This would have the advantage of demonstrating the benefits of eradicating invasive mammals to the local community, including increased abundance of resources including coconut fruit and crabs.