Each eradication event in the database is an attempt to eradicate (i.e. completely remove) an invasive vertebrate population from an island. Where multiple invasive species are eradicated from an island these are considered separate eradication events, even if the same technique was used.

Since 2014 we assessed all eradication attempts for data quality based on definitions in Table 1. We expect any data summary or analysis to be restricted to only good or satisfactory data quality. We retain events of poor quality in the online database in the hope others can help us further qualify or remove these events. To update an eradication record, please contact us: science@islandconservation.org.

Eradication start and end date are reported for years only and represent years of operational activities on the ground where the eradication end date is the year that the eradication operations ceased. This typically coincided with the end of confirmation of eradication for hunting/trapping for ungulates and predators, or the end of toxicant application (or other methods) for rodent projects. Note that confirmation of eradications can occur some years after the end of operations, particularly for rodents which most often occurs two years after the eradication operation has ended.

We document the status of each eradication activity, based on definitions in Table 2. An eradication operation that successfully removed the invasive population is considered a successful eradication. Because reinvasions can follow a successful eradication, for the purposes of this online database, we added the option to view successful eradications within the context of a reinvasion status (See Table 2). We consider an eradication failure to be an operational failure, i.e. the project did not successfully remove the targeted invasive species from the island. This is different from a reinvasion event, which is only considered when the invasive species has re-established on the island, following a successful eradication. While reinvasions can be misdiagnosed as failures and vice versa, we erred on the side of caution and when it was unclear, defaulted to the operation as being failed. In these cases, data quality was considered poor. Note, the database also includes trial or research eradications that were used to inform larger operations.

Island eradication type (Table 3) refers to whether the operation required treatment of the entire island (whole island), or only part of the island (restricted range) to remove the invasive population from the island. Note, incursion responses are also included in the dataset, representing operations to remove a population prior to their establishment across the entire island.

Data on the primary and secondary method of the eradication are collected, including disease, hunting, trapping, toxicant, other, unknown, none (secondary method only). Where toxicant was used, the baiting method was noted as either aerial broadcast, bait station, hand broadcast, bait piles, unknown, other, or not applicable. The toxicant compound was identified where applicable.

References that cite part or all of these eradication events are provided, including a link if this is online.

References that cite part or all of these eradication events are provided. Contact details and organization of expert practitioners working on eradication projects are provided where they have been made available. Note some contact details have been withheld at the request of practitioners. Should you not see any contact details please contact science@islandconservation.org and we are happy to share the knowledge we do have.