Review of a Large-Scale Pacific Rat Eradication Attempt from an Uninhabited World Heritage Site: Project Approach, Lessons Learnt, and Future Directions

A large-scale attempt to eradicate Pacific rats from Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and near-pristine raised coralline atoll in the South Pacific, failed despite extensive planning and international collaboration. The operation, led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Government of the Pitcairn Islands, involved a GBP£1.5m aerial bait dispersal in 2011 but resulted in rat sightings seven months later. Independent reviews identified gaps in planning and execution, emphasizing the need for rigorous yet flexible strategies that integrate international expertise with local knowledge. The study underscores the critical role of rat eradication in preserving the island's Outstanding Universal Value, particularly for the endangered Henderson petrel, and offers lessons for future conservation efforts on similar islands worldwide.

Hall, J., Stringer, C., & Kelly, J. (2014). Review of a Large-Scale Pacific Rat Eradication Attempt from an Uninhabited World Heritage Site: Project Approach, Lessons Learnt, and Future Directions. Proceedings of the Vertebrate Pest Conference, 26. https://doi.org/10.5070/v426110584