The eradication of rats and feral pigs from Nu’utele Island, situated off the eastern end of Upolu Island will begin soon.

The two invasive species have been identified as the biggest contributors to the loss of biodiversity on the island.

According to the Secretariat for the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), the island could serve as a sanctuary for several of Samoa’s threatened species.

The invasion of rats has devastating consequences for native biodiversity as these hungry rodents rapidly multiply and wreak havoc on the island's fragile ecosystem.

Rats prey upon native bird and turtle eggs, chicks, and small reptiles, leading to the decline of endemic species such as the Samoa flying fox (Pteropus samoensis) and the white-throated storm petrel (Nesofregetta fuliginosa).

 Other important bird species are the vulnerable shy ground-dove and remnant populations of seabirds such as noddies and boobies. Moreover, rats consume seeds, fruits, and plant material, disrupting the island's vegetation structure and seed dispersal dynamics.

Feral pigs have been present on Nu’utele for some time with the population now appearing to be widespread and posing a significant threat to the ecological integrity of the island.

The operation is made possible through the collaboration between SPREP, Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) and Island Conservation (IC) through PRISMSS.

SPREP Deputy Director General, Easter Chu Shing said the removal of rats from Nu’utele Island was identified as a priority by MNRE and SPREP.

“Removing rats from the island will create a haven for important species in Samoa as biodiversity is key for climate change adaptation as it reduces the vulnerability and increases the resilience of communities to the effects of climate change,” she said.

“Importantly, the overarching goal is ecosystem-based adaptation, integrating climate change considerations into conservation strategies to enhance the island's resilience to future environmental pressures.

“A predator-free Nu’utele will create a safe haven for important and endangered species with this conservation effort contributing to Samoa’s climate change resilience by protecting its biodiversity”.

The PFP programme, led by IC leads the charge in removing invasive predators from Pacific islands and restoring balance to delicate ecosystems. With support from BirdLife International, the programme is implementing activities to prevent extinctions and enhance ecosystem health and resilience.

Paul Jacques, an Island Restoration Specialist with IC said restoring the health of islands also restores the health of their surrounding reefs and seabirds lost from islands due to predation by invasive rats and pigs.

A consultation was held with the Aleipata district and there was consensus gained for the work.