Prioritizing islands for the eradication of invasive vertebrates in the United Kingdom overseas territories

A prioritization framework for eradicating invasive vertebrates from islands in the U.K. overseas territories identifies 25 high-priority islands, including two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Gough (South Atlantic) and Henderson (South Pacific)—that would benefit 155 native species, 45 of which are globally threatened. The approach evaluates eradication feasibility and distinguishes between potential and realistic conservation value, considering the impact of removing all invasive species or only those with current eradication techniques. This study provides a strategic tool for allocating limited resources to maximize biodiversity conservation benefits, with the framework adaptable to future advancements in eradication methods.

Dawson, J., Oppel, S., Cuthbert, R. J., Holmes, N., Bird, J. P., Butchart, S. H. M., Spatz, D. R., & Tershy, B. (2014). Prioritizing islands for the eradication of invasive vertebrates in the United Kingdom overseas territories. Conservation Biology, 29(1), 143–153. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12347