16 April 2025, Apia, Samoa: Eradicating invasive species like rats and pigs is a crucial initiative to enhance ecosystem resilience, as these invaders severely disrupt the native biodiversity of Pacific islands by preying on bird eggs, chicks, small reptiles, and damaging vegetation.
By eliminating these invasive species, endangered species such as the Hawksbill turtle and the shy ground dove are protected, and the regeneration of native forests is encouraged, helping to restore the island's ecological balance. This restoration not only benefits biodiversity but also strengthens the island's resilience against climate change, making it a model for nature-based conservation solutions.
Nu’utele Island, located within the Aleipata Island Group off the eastern end of Upolu Island, is a vital focal point for conservation efforts in Samoa. Recognised as a critical biodiversity hotspot, it holds intact native forests and significant populations of endangered land-birds, seabirds, and nesting turtles.
In response to the threats posed by invasive species, collaborative initiatives have been established under the regional Predator Free Pacific (PFP) programme of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) led Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS), within the framework of the PRISMSS-Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) project, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
The eradication initiative on Nu’utele is made possible through collaboration between the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) led PRISMSS, Samoa Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Island Conservation (IC), BirdLife International (BLI), and the Samoan Conservation Society (SCS).
SPREP Invasive Species Adviser, Mr David Moverley, commented, “it is great to have the support from New Zealand and United Kingdom governments to assist with the protection of this very important site in Samoa.”
“Not only is it the most easily protected site as a refuge for key species which are highly threatened and unique to Samoa, but it also provides a great opportunity for the local community to build onto the existing tourism opportunities in the district”.
In late March, the PRISMSS PFP programme, led by IC, completed a monitoring field trip to Nu'utele Island to assess vegetation, crabs, and seabirds in preparation for an invasive species removal operation and to discuss opportunities for potential native species reintroductions.
Following community consultations with the Aleipata area in late 2024, the PFP programme is progressing the eradication of invasive predators from Nu’utele to restore balance to its delicate ecosystems.
With support from BirdLife International, the programme is implementing activities to prevent extinctions and enhance ecosystem health and resilience across the Pacific.
A team from IC, accompanied by representatives from MNRE and SCS, conducted pre-invasive species removal monitoring on Nu’utele Island, completing vegetation transects, nocturnal crab surveys, and seabird point counts.
The PRISMSS PFP programme will continue eradication efforts in collaboration with MNRE and SCS, focusing on invasive species removal over the coming months. The feral pig removal programme began on Nu’utele in late March 2025 and will be followed by a rat eradication operation.
The benefits of eradicating invasive mammals from Nu’utele will significantly contribute to the protection of threatened bird species and improve reef health, building climate resilience. A post-removal monitoring expedition will be conducted on Nu'utele Island in 2026 to assess the benefits of invasive removals for native wildlife.
The PRISMSS RIR project will continue to improve Pacific Island countries' livelihoods and resilience to climate change by reducing the impact of invasive species on ecosystems, with ongoing efforts on Nu’utele for rat and pig eradication being one of the many supported activities.
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About PRISMSS: The Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) is a coordinating mechanism designed to facilitate the scaling up of operational management of invasive species in the Pacific. PRISMSS brings together experts to provide support within the Pacific region with a focus on protection of indigenous biodiversity and ecosystem function.
As a service provider, PRISMSS provides a comprehensive suite of support services in a cohesive, effective, efficient, and accessible manner to Pacific Island countries and territories.
Restoring Island Resilience (RIR): The PRISMSS - Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) is a New Zealand-PRISMSS collaboration project that aims to improve Pacific Island Countries and territories livelihoods and resilience to climate change by reducing the impact of invasive species on natural and agricultural ecosystems through the six PRISMSS programmes.
PRISMSS Powered by: New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade, UK International Development, GEF, UNEP & SPREP
PRISMSS Partners: Birdlife International, NZ Department of Conservation, Island Conservation, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Pacific Community and SPREP
PRISMSS Programmes: Natural Enemies Natural Solutions (NENS), Predator Free Pacific (PFP), Protect Our Islands (POI), Protect Our Marine Areas (POMA), Resilient Ecosystems Resilient Communities (RERC), War On Weeds (WOWs)
For additional information please contact Mr Dominic Sadler, PRISMSS Manager on dominics@sprep.org or Mr Nitish Narayan, PRISMSS Communications & Liaison Officer on nitishn@sprep.org