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Predator Control and Eradication
Pacific Rim Conservation conducts and manages several predator control projects in Hawaii, and we are currently working on developing and implementing our first predator eradication project, at Kaena Point on Oahu. On most islands throughout the Pacific region, alien terrestrial mammals (rodents, mongoose, mustelids, cats, dogs, and ungulates) pose a serious threat to native biota that did not evolve with mammalian predators and lack natural defenses against these animals. We work with State and Federal agencies and other pest control organizations to ensure that animal welfare guidelines are followed and that the most current, effective, and humane techniques are employed. Methods include live trapping, snap trapping, and poison bait stations. Eric VanderWerf is a certified restricted pesticide applicator.
- We are currently working with DLNR, the USFWS and the US Department of Agriculture to develop and execute an eradication plan for inside a proposed predator proof fence at Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve. We have also assisted in developing the pre and post eradication monitoring protocols of pest species and are currently conducting pre-eradication monitoring at the site to determine pest species diversity and abundance prior to eradication.
Left - Kaena Point rodent. Center - sandalwood fruit eaten by rats. Right - shearwater chick eaten by a rat.
- Control of alien rodents to reduce nest predation and improve survival of Oahu Elepaio, and monitoring efficacy of the rodent control program, in collaboration with the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the U.S. Army, and the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. PDF Report 22
Left - rat at dummy elepaio nest. Right - rat bait station
 Developing methods using remote camera traps to estimate feral cat density in natural areas, improving efficacy of predator control, and determining rates of immigration after feral cat removal.
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