In March and April of 2022 Island Conservation and Envico Technologies successfully completed a rat eradication on Ngerkeklau Island. The team tested two different drone baiting platforms and made huge progress in the development, planning and implementation of drones for aerial baiting on tropical islands. The operation was a huge success thanks to a massive effort and continued support from the Ngarchelong State Rangers and the Ebiil Society. Island Conservation and the Ebiil Society are currently monitoring the island to detect any remaining rats, and plan to confirm the successful outcome of the operation in March 2023.   

Drone technology can accelerate island eradications by making it easier to access remote and rugged terrain. With current practices, eradicating invasive species from islands is resource intensive, requiring the use of helicopters for larger islands and extensive personnel. Both the bait application and the post-eradication monitoring to confirm project success are expensive and time-consuming logistical challenges. What’s more, drones are safer than helicopters, and also emit less carbon.   

Background 

Ngerkeklau Island in Ngarchelong State, Palau, is a beautiful nature reserve owned by the state and managed by the Ebiil Society. Ngerkeklau is used as an educational site for youth and school groups, with facilities for classes and recreation activities. Its pristine mangroves, forests and stunning beaches provide habitat for unique Palauan birds, including megapodes. The island is also home to well-preserved historical and cultural sites, including early village foundations and defense walls once used to protect locals during battle.  

Unfortunately, the Palauan Megapode and Hawksbill Sea Turtle are vulnerable to predators such as invasive rats. The Ebiil Society approached Island Conservation with a request to assist with the eradication of rats from the island. At the time, Island Conservation was in the planning process for an eradication on Ulong, in partnership with Koror State and the Koror State Government Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement. Ngerkeklau presented an excellent opportunity to field-test baiting drones as a part of the planning process for Ulong, which is larger and more complex project.   

Many thanks to the hard work from the Ngarchelong State Rangers, the Ebiil Society, Envico and the Island Conservation team.