26 September 2025, Ha’apai, Tonga: The Government of Tonga, in partnership with the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service (PRISMSS) and Island Conservation, has confirmed the successful eradication of invasive rats and feral pigs from Kelefesia and Tonumea in the Ha’apai Group marking another milestone in Tonga’s ongoing efforts to restore island ecosystems and build climate resilience.
This achievement is part of Tonga’s National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP) and part of the broader PRISMSS Predator Free Pacific (PFP) programme funded by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and UK International Development through the PRISMSS Restoring Island Resilience (RIR) project.
The ecological benefits of the success are already evident with Herald petrels now breeding in a secure habitat. The removal of invasive predators will make the ecosystems more resilient to climate change impacts, such as sea-level rise and extreme weather events. By stabilizing coastal habitats and enhancing biodiversity, the project contributes directly to Tonga’s national climate adaptation goals and regional resilience frameworks.
Tonga National Invasives Species Coordinator, Mr Viliami Hakaumotu, shared, “the seabirds will now be able to nest without predation, restoring natural nutrient cycles that enrich both our land and ocean.”
“With the PRISMSS PFP programme endangered turtles will now have a better chance of survival, with nests safe from pigs and rats and native plants can regenerate, strengthening coastal resilience against climate change.”
The restoration operation, initially conducted in 2024, was a multi-species eradication effort involving the removal of rats, feral pigs and feral cats from the islands of Kelefesia and Tonumea which destroyed native plant and animal populations.
The project was implemented by a team of local “invasive battlers” with technical experts from Island Conservation and Tonga’s Department of Environment. Community members from the nearby island of Nomuka played a critical role in the operation using traditional techniques for catching feral pigs and providing local insights into seasonal patterns, species behaviour and land-use history. In return they received training in biosecurity and eradication techniques.
The project also prioritised Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in its planning and execution where women and youth actively participated in training and fieldwork, helping to build a more inclusive conservation workforce. Future phases of the programme will expand outreach to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities and marginalised groups, particularly in biosecurity education and long-term monitoring.
Ms Julie Sullivan from Island Conservation shared that, “the planning phase of the programme included community consultations where all were welcome, and a diversity of gender and age were in attendance.”
“The implementation phase of the project included young women and man in their twenties from the Department of the Environment (MEIDECC) who assisted in all phases of the implementation, received training on how to use the instruments including Real Time Kinectic GPS system, and were placed into leadership roles as we broke out into smaller project teams.”
“It was not easy work,” said one team member. “We lived simply on the islands, carrying out daily checks and monitoring. But we knew every step brought us closer to giving seabirds and turtles a safe home again.”
SPREP Invasive Species Adviser David Moverley reflected that, “this project demonstrates the power of regional collaboration, community engagement, and science-based action in addressing the threats posed by invasive species.”
“The success on Kelefesia and Tonumea demonstrates genuine partnerships with government leadership, community commitment and regional expertise working hand in hand and providing a model for other Pacific nations facing similar invasive species challenges where integrated conservation delivers ecological, social, and climate resilience benefits.”
“Continued support will be essential to maintain biosecurity, expand restoration to additional islands, and ensure that the gains made are sustained.”
PRISMSS in partnership with Island Conservation remains committed to protecting its biodiversity and ensuring that future generations inherit healthy, resilient ecosystems through the PFP programme across the region.
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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, which is led by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) 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, United Nations Environment Programme & SPREP
PRISMSS Partners: Birdlife International, Earth Sciences New Zealand, New Zealand Department of Conservation, Island Conservation, Bioeconomy Science Institute-Manaaki Whenua Landcare 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 [email protected] or Mr Nitish Narayan, PRISMSS Communications & Liaison Officer on [email protected]
Island Conservation's mission is to restore islands for nature and people worldwide. We are a United States-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a globally distributed team—often made up of local islanders who bring deep knowledge and connection to the places where we work. Together, we collaborate with local communities, government management agencies, and conservation organizations to holistically restore islands by bringing back biodiversity, the foundation of all healthy ecosystems. We do this by removing a primary threat (introduced, damaging invasive species) and accelerating the return of native plants and animals. We utilize innovative technology and techniques to work more efficiently and showcase the many benefits of holistically restored islands for biodiversity, climate resilience, ocean health, and sustainable development across the globe. Visit us at islandconservation.org
For additional information please contact, Sally Esposito, Island Conservation, Strategic Communications Director: [email protected]