Details of this species in Anacapa West Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Eradicated
Source: Island Conservation and Ecology Group, 2004 Arrival Date:
Introduction: Species Notes for this Location:
Management Notes for this Location:
Rattus rattus was eradicated from Anacapa West in November 2002. The eradication programme was led by Island Conservation and Channel Islands National Park. One application of brodifacoum (25ppm) was carried out aerially and by hand broadcast, at a rate of 15kg/ha. The endemic mouse (see Peromyscus maniculatus ssp. anacapae in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) was protected by staggering the eradication over the three Anacapa islets, so that a free-ranging population was always present on one or more islets. A captive population was also kept on the island (Howald et al., 2004). A number of measures are now in place to prevent reinfestation: rodent proof storage areas, rodent proof containers, and rodent control at all entry points to the island (Anacapa Island Restoration Plan Progress Report and Work Plan). This was the first aerial application of rodenticide to eradicate rats in North America. For more information on the project and project updates please see: Project update May, 2003 Location Notes:
Anacapa West (182 ha) is part of the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California, USA. Its vegetation is primarily grassy. Impacts:
Competition: Rattus rattus competed with the native deer mouse (see Peromyscus maniculatus ssp. anacapae in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) for food resources on Anacapa Island (National Park Service, 2006).
Herbivory: Rattus rattus on West Anacapa Island ate most of the acorns from the island oak (National Park Service, 2006).
Predation: Rattus rattus had almost extirpated Xantus's murrelet (see Synthliboramphus hypoleucus in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) from Anacapa prior to its eradication (BirdLife International, 2005). Rats also preyed on a number of terrestrial invertebrates, especially the Jerusalem cricket, as well as preying on intertidal invertebrates, such as the shore crab (National Park Service, 2006). Last Modified: 29/08/2006 2:42:55 p.m.
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