Native seabird populations are making a remarkable recovery on Wake Atoll in the North Pacific Ocean, one year on from the removal of invasive rats from the islets.

Sixteen species of nesting native birds are reappearing and increasing in number due to the absence of invasive rodents devouring their eggs and young. 

Invasive rats are one of the most successful animal groups that cause native species extinction and ecosystem change, particularly on islands. Population control is notoriously difficult, particularly in Wake Atoll due to the island’s remoteness, challenging weather conditions and sensitive infrastructure.

Last year, a multi-agency collaboration between Island Conservation, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the United States Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron collaborated to organise rat eradication and environmental restoration.

A newly discovered Bonin Petrel, or Nunulu in Hawai’ian, colony marks the first documented nesting of this species on Wake Atoll, while the atoll’s globally significant population of Sooty Terns enjoyed a record-breaking breeding season.

Other native seabirds like Laysan Albatross, Wedge-tailed and Christmas Shearwater, Black-footed Albatross, Red-footed Booby, and Red-tailed Tropicbird are also showing early signs of increased nesting activity and improved reproductive success.

Forest ecosystems have also rebounded in the area, with thousands of new native Pisonia tree seedlings emerging where none were previously seen. Populations of hermit crabs, geckos, skinks, spiders and moths have also soared.

People stationed on Wake Atoll are also benefiting: fewer rats on the island means the risk of disease transmission has been significantly reduced. Encouraged by the evident success of conservation work so far, those residing on the island have organised beach clean ups and further conservation activities. 

“We’re astonished – and thrilled – at the results of this work,” said Tommy Hall, Project Manager at Island Conservation.

“Wake Atoll’s recovery demonstrates what’s possible when organisations unite for a shared vision,” he added.

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