Are there successful invasive species eradication cases?

Yes, there have been successful invader eradications when actions are performed early, such as the Mediterranean Fruit Fly in California, where aggressive quarantine protocols and sterile insect releases were used to eliminate the pest. Island ecosystems from Hawaiian Petrel to seabird sites have been restored by removing invasive goats. These examples demonstrate that the overall cost of taking action to prevent these species is lower than managing the invader in the long term.

I also encountered success in the restoration of Hawaiian forests. The native' Ohia lehua trees began to regenerate rapidly after control of invasive pigs and the removal of other non-native plants. The endangered Akikiki bird populations stabilized after three years of restoration. This was encouraging evidence of how long-term results can be obtained through an ecosystem-based approach.

Early detection remains paramount for success. EDDMapS public reporting aided Maryland in the eradication of nutria after a fifteen-year effort. When I reported large-scale rodent damage during surveys of the Chesapeake Bay, rapid response teams were able to contain the outbreak within weeks, thereby mitigating wetland destruction across 200,000 acres.

Future challenges will continue to require new forms of action. New genetic tools, including the use of gene drives to limit the transmission capacity of mosquitoes, can be explored. Public engagement programs, especially through citizen science, can help tremendously expand monitoring capacity. Support for eradication programs can include volunteering services or reporting observations about targeted species. All of these actions contribute to the protection of biodiversity worldwide.

Read the full article: Comprehensive Invasive Species List