To protect the unique ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, the Ecuadorian authorities are now trying to control the plague of rats, which is dangerous for many animal and plant species. Drones have been releasing poison baits on Seymour Norte Island and Mosquera Island for several days, the National Park administration said Thursday.
The mission is part of a comprehensive program against the rats. The park management is targeted by the house rat and the brown rat, which have spread extensively on the Galapagos Islands over the past few years. The introduced rodents threaten rare native species such as the nocturnal forked gull and the frigate birds.
Drones “more precise”
The use of drones makes it possible to act “more precisely” against the rats, especially on small and medium-sized islands, said Karl Campbell, head of the organization Iceland Conservation, which supports the program. In addition, the rat fight from the air is inexpensive.
In total, around 3000 kilos of poison bait will be distributed by the end of January. This is done not only from the air, but also by park staff on the ground. For two years, the success of the measures should then be controlled. As long as it takes to estimate the Park management, until the rats are eradicated.
Unique wildlife
The Galapagos Islands, some 1000 kilometers off the coast of Ecuador, are famous for their unique wildlife. Many animal species occur exclusively there. The volcanic islands played an important role in the research of Charles Darwin and evolutionary evolution.