Predator vs Bird Nirmal Shah
“Rat and cat eradication are the precursors to successful island restoration and establishment of new populations of threatened species. The spectacular recovery of the Seychelles avifauna in recent years is due to the restoration of whole island ecosystems including rat eradication�
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R
ats are a danger to and the cause of disappearance of many species of birds as well as other wildlife. The granitic Seychelles has only two native mammals, both bats. Following the discovery of the islands, a number of mammal species were introduced. One of the earliest accidental introductions was the ship rat (or black rat, or roof rat). This species, originating in Asia, has been spread throughout the world. It has a broad diet and is an agile climber with a long tail used for balance. It is usually grey-black above, and the belly may be grey or white. Twenty years after the first human settlement on Mahe, ship rats
30 Zwazo late 2008 - early 2009
were rampant, and were said to be on nearly all the islands. Rats thrived in the coconut plantations that were planted to replace native vegetation. Early attempts to eradicate them using inorganic poisons failed. It was not until the development of chemicals that prevented the blood from coagulating that the battle against rats took a serious turn. The larger Norway rat ( or brown rat), is a recent introduction to the Seychelles, most likely arriving here in the twentieth century. It probably originates in Europe, but has spread throughout the world. The Norway rat is far less able to climb. It has a shorter
tail, stockier build and bristly hairs on the back. It is usually brown above with a cream-coloured belly. Rats will feed on all sorts of plants and animals. We know what happens to ecosystems where there are no rats. Some islands, particularly Cousin, Cousine, Aride, do not have rats, and on these endemic birds and seabirds have thrived. Other animals such as Wright’s Skink, Whip scorpions, giant millipedes and others have also flourished. It is for this reason why island owners, Nature Seychelles and the Government joined forces some years ago to start the first of what would become a series of projects to eradicate rats on