Rats on Maui

Invasive predators

Rats

Three non-native species of rats have been introduced to Hawai’i. Polynesian rats (Rattus exulans) arrived with Hawaiians about 1600 years ago. Black rats (Rattus rattus) and Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) arrived with Europeans. Besides being a pest around human habitation and a threat to human health (see Rat Lungworm), these species have a large impact on the native ecosystem as predators and competitors.

Rats are agile tree climbers and at least one of the three species is found in all native habitats. Rats are known to prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults of Hawai’i’s native forest birds. Additionally, they compete with forest birds for food items such as native snails, insects, fruits, and seeds. This also decreases plant recruitment and regeneration of the forest and can decrease populations of snails and insects.

As a result, rats play a significant role in the decline of Hawai’i’s endemic forest birds as well as overall forest health.

Effective predator control of these animals helps to decrease their impact on forest bird populations.

For more information:

Remove Rats, Restore Hawai’i

USFWS Rats Fact Sheet

Save the Forest, Save the Birds

It takes a community of dedicated individuals and support to make conservation happen

Donate Now!Act Now!

You are donating to : Nā Koa Manu Conservation helping MFBRP to protect and recover Mauiʻs forest birds

How much would you like to donate?
$25 $50 $100
Would you like to make regular donations? I would like to make donation(s)
How many times would you like this to recur? (including this payment) *
Name *
Last Name *
Email *
Phone
Address
Additional Note
Loading...
Secured By miniOrange