First rodenticide drop completed on Amsterdam Island to eradicate alien rats and mice

Loading the bait bucket on Amsterdam Island

At the end of May this year ACAP Latest News reported on preparations for the eradication of the introduced Norway Rats Rattus norvegicus and House Mice Mus musculus on France’s Amsterdam Island in the southern Indian Ocean by the aerial dispersal of rodenticide.  The project RECI (Restauration des écosystèmes insulaires de l’océan Indien; Restoration of Insular Ecosystems of the Indian Ocean) now reports that the first aerial bait drop of rodenticide-laced cereal bait pellets by helicopter has been completed: “air dispersing of bait began on June 7 and ended on June 25. Air spreading is the only effective method, adapted to the Amsterdam context, and tested for more than 30 years as part of the operation to eradicate rodents in the world.  In particular, this allows to treat areas that are difficult to access on the island (such as the cliffs of Entrecasteaux).  A second application is planned to guarantee access to bait for all rodents and potential young rodents not weaned on the first application. Weather permitting, it will start in the next few days!”

A close-up of the suspended bait bucket at a field loading station

In addition, rodenticide bait was spread by hand around the Martin-de-Viviès station, with baiting of interiors, ceiling and areas below buildings and field huts.  Monitoring the availability of bait took place in previously established quadrats distributed over the island.

A helicopter flies the bait bucket over the interior of Amsterdam Island

Information from the Facebook page of Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF).  Photographs by Lucie Pichot, TAAF.

John Cooper, Emeritus Information Officer, Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, 16 July 2024