Management of Invasive Alien Species in the Bonin Islands

Abstract

The remote Bonin Islands, a unique theater of evolutionary plays, are in danger of ecosystem degradation, and many endemic species are threatened with extinction because of various invasive aliens. To stop and reverse, if possible, the process of degradation, scientists have been attempting to control the impacts and spread of aliens. Our aim is to mitigate ecosystem degradation in such a way that native species can thrive without constant care or human management. In most cases, eradication of aliens is an effective way to achieve this goal. Whatever the strategy, however, it should be adaptable so that tactics can be switched or modified in case of unpredicted side effects of these interventions. This is particularly important in the Bonin Islands, where alien species are frequently deeply embedded in the native ecosystem. In this part, nine chapters explore strategies and tactics for controlling four major invaders in the Bonin Islands: the flatworm Platydemus manokwari, the green anole Anolis carolinensis, the black rat Rattus rattus, and the bishopwood Bischofia javanica