Description: The project aimed to safeguard Ua Huka Island’s biodiversity by empowering local organisations and implementing measures to protect two endangered bird species from the invasive black rat. The initiative focused on preventing rat arrival through poison stations at entry points, utilising rat-detecting canines for sea freight, and raising awareness among locals and students. Efforts involved assessing bird species status, knowledge transfer, biosecurity training, and diverse awareness campaigns. Strategies encompassed installing information panels on sister islands, a design contest promoting bird protection, black rat eradication, vegetation mapping on Ua Huka, and a rare bird census. With a dedicated team of dog handlers, an efficient office assistant, and comprehensive actions, the project strengthened the association’s capacity. The ultimate success lies in enabling the local association to sustain and expand the island’s bird protection program, ensuring the conservation of these classified avian species.
Duration: 12 months
