Over one third (34%) of all threatened birds are impacted by invasive alien species (IAS), with island dwellers being particularly vulnerable; 75% of threatened species on oceanic islands are estimated to be impacted by invasive species such as cats, mice and snakes (Medina et al. 2011, Cuthbert & Hilton 2004, Wiles et al. 2002).

Remote islands in the Acteon & Gambier archipelagos provide habitat for eight globally Threatened and Near Threatened birds, two turtles and seventeen nationally threatened endemic plant species. The islands are however also home to an invasive alien rat and an invasive lantana plant. The Critically Endangered Polynesian ground-dove Alopecoenas erythropterus, Endangered Tuamotu Sandpiper Prosobonia parvirostris and Endangered Polynesian Storm-petrel Nesofregetta fuliginosa are particularly threatened by these IAS, making conservation action crucial to securing their future.

A huge collaborative effort between BirdLife International, Société d'Ornithologie de Polynésie (SOP Manu - BirdLife in French Polynesia) and Island Conservation aimed to provide this necessary conservation action, and has resulted in the removal of rats from six remote islands in the Acteon & Gambier archipelagos and the doubling of safe habitat for the Critically Endangered Polynesian ground dove. Further surveys in the next year will determine the success of the IAS removal.

The success of the project so far is owed to the collaborative nature of the operation and impressive logistical commitment of 31 personnel from three continents and six countries. Locals helped plan and support the implementation of the project, local organisations and businesses provided essential services and the French Polynesian government provided some essential funds.