Pest Control Pilot Project at Malololelei Recreation Reserve

This pilot project, conducted at the Malololelei Recreation Reserve, demonstrated significant success in controlling rat populations within a 65-hectare designated area. Initiated in October 2017 and running until December 2022, the project employed an innovative pest management approach using secondary anticoagulant brodifacoum bait. The bait was manually distributed across 200 strategically placed bait stations, mounted 1 meter above ground on trees in a 50m x 50m grid.

After five years of systematic pest management and monitoring, the project achieved notable ecological outcomes. Populations of the endemic Forest Honeyeater (Ma’o) not only increased but also expanded their range extensively within the reserve’s forest. These results highlight the potential for targeted pest control efforts to positively impact native biodiversity.

The project also provided valuable training opportunities, enhancing the team’s critical thinking and decision-making capabilities. These practical experiences have informed the refinement of methodologies and applications for future pest management initiatives.

While challenges arose throughout the project’s lifecycle, they provided important lessons that have strengthened our understanding of effective pest control strategies. The successes and insights gained will guide the replication of this approach in other sites, further supporting Samoa’s conservation goals.

The Pest Control Pilot Project at Malololelei exemplifies the power of science-based solutions to protect native wildlife and restore ecological balance.