Establishing Causes of Eradication Failure Based on Genetics: Case Study of Ship Rat Eradication in Ste. Anne Archipelago

摘要: Determining the causes of a failed eradication pest species is important because it enables an argued adjustment methodologies used and improvement protocols for future attempts. We examined how molecular monitoring can help distinguish between two main reasons failure (i.e., survival some individuals vs. recolonization after eradication). investigated genetic variation in seven microsatellite loci ship rat (Rattus rattus) populations from four islets off Martinique coast (French Caribbean). In 1999 attempt was conducted on islets. Three years later rats were observed again them. compared signatures before attempt. On one islands, new population likely subset pre-eradication population. A weak differentiation found them, with almost no alleles moderate F(ST) values (0.15). Moreover, assignment procedures clustered together. contrast, other islet, many attempt, resulting increase diversity (from 2.57 to 3.57 mean number per locus) strong (0.39). clustering clearly separated samples attempt) different populations. Thus, achieve long-term these islets, seems necessary redevelop procedure avoid surviving prevent reinvasion, probably mainland, by installing permanent trapping poisoning devices conducting regular monitoring. strongly encourage wildlife managers campaigns integrate biological tools their protocols, which be done easily most common invasive species.