Effectiveness of rodent control and monitoring techniques for a montane rainforest
Links
- The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Introduced black (Rattus rattus) and Polynesian (R. exulans) rats are damaging to native birds, insects, and plants in island ecosystems. We controlled rodent populations in a montane rainforest on the island of Hawaii to determine feasibility, cost, and effectiveness of ground-based rodent control in a rugged, remote rainforest habitat. Treatment was conducted 1996-99, from January to April each year, using rodenticide bait stations and snap-traps. We monitored rodent numbers in 48-ha treatment and reference areas before, during, and after control. As indexed by presence of rat sign in tracking tunnels or census blocks, rodent control reduced rodent abundance 58-90% each year 1 month after treatment began. There was an influx of rats into the treatment area, as shown by higher than expected numbers of rats snap-trapped on the treatment perimeter. Rodent numbers recovered to approximate pretreatment levels by the beginning of the following treatment year. Coast of equipment and supplies for rodent control for the first year was about \$7,000 for a 1-km2 grid. After the first year, cost decreased to about \$2,000 for 1 km2 per year. Rodent control applied continuously for 4 months each year during the breeding season may be effective in protecting nesting forest birds, but will not provide protection to plants and invertebrates vulnerable to predation throughout the year, and it is not likely to protect avian food resources.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Effectiveness of rodent control and monitoring techniques for a montane rainforest |
| Series title | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2002 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wildlife Society |
| Publisher location | Washington, D.C. |
| Contributing office(s) | Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 82 |
| Last page | 92 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |