Integrating seabird restoration and mammal eradication programs on islands to maximize conservation gains

Colonial nesting seabirds frequently drive island ecosystem biodiversity by maintaining ecosystem functioning and community dynamics. Invasive mammal introductions to most of the world’s islands have ravaged insular seabird populations and had associated devastating ecosystem-wide effects. Eradication programs remove invasive mammals from islands, with the goal of conserving and restoring island species and systems. However, most eradication programs rely almost exclusively on passive seabird recovery to achieve these goals. Unfortunately, the life histories of most seabird species are not conducive to passive recovery within a contemporary timeframe. Seabird restoration techniques can effectively overcome life history related issues and significantly reduce recovery times for insular seabird populations, thereby reducing associated ecosystem-wide recovery times. By integrating seabird restoration and eradication programs, practitioners can maximize conservation gains, expand funding opportunities, and restore island ecosystems and the biodiversity they support.