A lesson for planning rodent eradications: interference of invasive slugs during the Gough Island mouse eradication attempt in 2021

Invasive slugs, overlooked during planning, significantly interfered with the Gough Island mouse eradication attempt in 2021 by consuming bait pellets at rapid rates, leading to a critical drop in rodent bait availability. This unexpected challenge necessitated major adjustments to the baiting strategy, including a third application at higher rates, yet mice remain present on the island. The study highlights that non-target species interference could pose risks to future pest eradication efforts using baits and underscores the importance of early assessment during planning phases.

Samaniego, A., Jolley, W., & McClelland, P. (2022). A lesson for planning rodent eradications: interference of invasive slugs during the Gough Island mouse eradication attempt in 2021. Wildlife Research, 50(5), 344–355. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr22024