Description: The project aimed to safeguard North Wallis Islands’ biodiversity by preventing rat re-invasion, and preserving habitats for endangered species, particularly seabirds. It involved monitoring and supporting rat eradication by Wallis and Futuna’s environmental service. Subsequent surveys assessed bird, coconut crab, and marine turtle populations post-eradication. Stakeholders’ engagement targeted traditional chiefs, families, fishermen, and others to raise awareness about the islet’s biodiversity and rat prevention. Identified as critical biodiversity zones, the project focused on restoring the islets, especially areas with high marine bird concentrations. Notably, two rat eradication campaigns covering 0.49 km2 on two islets were completed. Validation of a seabird monitoring protocol and training of 17 members in bird monitoring facilitated comprehensive bird inventories for both islets. Twenty users were sensitised to biosecurity measures, ensuring comprehension of rat prevention strategies for the islets.
Duration: 19 months
