Diverse examples from managing invasive vertebrate species on inhabited islands of the United States

Authors

Richard M. Engeman, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Michael L. Avery, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Aaron B. Shiels, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Are R. Berentsen, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Kurt C. VerCauteren, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Robert T. Sugihara, USDA National Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Anthony G. Duffiney, USDA/APHIS/WS
Craig S. Clark, USDA/APHIS/WSFollow
John D. Eisemann, USDA National Wildlife Research Center

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2018

Citation

AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, 2018 VOL. 25, NO. 1, 43–61

Comments

© 2017 Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Inc.

https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2017.1393466

Abstract

A wide array of sizes, ecosystems, cultures, and invasive wildlife are represented among inhabited islands. Here, six cases from the United States of America (US) are selected to illustrate the high diversity of invasive animal management issues and objectives. We outline the background, define the problems and management objectives. We identify the management approaches and discuss the results and influences as they specifically relate to inhabited islands. The examples are: (1) Gambian giant pouched rats on Grassy Key, Florida; (2) coqui frogs on Kaua’i, Hawai’i; (3) feral swine on Cayo Costa Island, Florida; (4) rodents and monitor lizards on Cocos Island, Guam; (5) black spiny-tailed iguanas (ctenosaurs) on Gasparilla Island, Florida; and (6) mongooses on Puerto Rico. The outcomes of the programs are discussed, particularly in relation to the impact of human habitation on success.