Pilot trapping project for invasive rats on Diego Garcia
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Darwin Plus Local
VALUE £50,661
WHERE British Indian Ocean Territory
Summary
The aim is to pilot new technological trapping systems to reduce invasive black rats (Rattus rattus), improving breeding conditions for critically endangered Hawksbill and Green Sea turtles and allow important seabird colonies on island to recover. Additionally, the reduction of rats and increase in seabird productivity is conducive to healthy coral reef systems and promote native plant regeneration. This pilot aims to test whether targeted trapping can reduce predation rates and establish whether a larger future trapping programme is feasible.
