Module 7

Eradications

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module you should be able to:

– Know what eradication is – When and where it might be undertaken – What conditions must be met for eradications to

be successful– Recognise the key steps in undertaking an

eradication operation

What is eradication?

• Eradication is the complete removal of a population of a targeted IAS in a set area within a defined timeframe

When is eradication appropriate?

• Eradication is the most appropriate option as soon as an alien species has been detected – during the lag phase

Pop

ulat

ion

size

Time

Carrying capacity

Lag phase

Explosion phase

What conditions need to be staisfied for successful

eradication?

• All individuals must be put at risk

• Individuals must be removed faster than they reproduce

• Re-invasion risks must be near zero

Other important factors should include:

• Involving only field operators who are committed to the eradication

• Designing an eradication operation so that it succeeds at first attempt

• Monitoring to detect changes

• Consistent and appropriate support from stakeholders

Are there particular areas that offer better chances for eradication

success?

Deciding to proceed with eradication

There are many important issues to consider in deciding to proceed with eradication

– Desired outcomes– Priorities– Available information– Risks

Assessing Feasibility

Feasibility assessments allow decisions to be made about the risks and costs of an eradication operation in relation to anticipated benefits

Ecological factors

Logistics

Social factors

CHOOSING THE METHOD/S OF ERADICATION

Choosing the right combination of methods, their timing, and the people to apply them will be critical to your success

What methods might be used?

Mechanical

Chemical

Biological

How to choose the methods

Know what range of techniques are available and which ones would be

most appropriate for your site

Measuring change - Monitoring

SUMMARY

• Eradication is about achieving desired outcomes • Insular habitats are uniquely suited as places where

IAS may be eradicated • where it is feasible it is the best option for achieving

and sustaining desired outcomes.• Monitoring of IAS – especially when they are at low

densities, will be important – as will outcome monitoring

• Eradication can only be justified if the risks of re-invasion can be effectively managed.