Flashcard library · Environmental Science · PaperFren
Rat-free islands could rebuild seabirds and reefs
Eradicating invasive rats and restoring native vegetation on Chagos islands could multiply seabirds ~18-fold and raise reef-fish biomass via seabird-derived nitrogen.
Keep what you just learned
Save these 11 cards to your NoteFren library. Your first review starts right away, and each card links back to the study it came from.
What terrestrial invasive animal suppresses Chagos seabirds?
Black rats (Rattus rattus), plus coconut-palm habitat conversion.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
Which three seabirds dominate the assemblage?
Lesser noddies, sooty terns, and red-footed boobies (~96% of >280,000 pairs).
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
How did rat presence affect breeding abundances?
Negative effect on all three focal species.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
Predicted increase if rats were eradicated on 25 infested islands?
About 18-fold for the three focal species.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
Reef-fish biomass if rats are gone and 75% native cover restored?
About 52% higher, ~50,000 extra tons (wide HPD).
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
Current seabird nitrogen deposition on Chagos islands?
78 tons per year.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
Nitrogen deposition if rats gone and 75% native vegetation restored?
170 tons per year.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
How much prey do current Chagos seabirds eat?
About 8300 tons per year from pelagic waters.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
How do seabirds subsidize islands and reefs?
They import nitrogen- and phosphorus-rich nutrients from marine prey to breeding grounds.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
What restoration actions were modeled?
Invasive-species eradications and native vegetation restoration.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified
Was pelagic prey judged adequate for restored populations?
Generally yes—consumption stayed below ecological thresholds in most scenarios.
Source: Island restoration to rebuild seabird populations and amplify coral reef functioning · DOI · quote verified