Objectives and integrated approaches for the control of brown tree snakes

摘要

The inadvertent introduction of the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) to Guam has resulted in the extirpation of most of the island's native terrestrial vertebrates, has presented a health hazard to small children, and also has produced an economic problem. Management of brown tree snakes is aimed at a number of objectives, the foremost of which has been to deter its dispersal through Guam's cargo traffic to other locations. Another objective is to reclaim areas on Guam for reintroduction of native wildlife. A related objective is the protection of small sensitive sites on Guam from brown tree snake intrusion, such as power stations or nesting trees and caves. A fourth objective is to contain and capture incoming brown tree snakes at destinations vulnerable to their introduction. A final objective is to control incipient populations in other areas beyond their native range. A number of control tools have been developed, or are being developed. The efficacy of each control method depends on thesituation to which it is to be applied. The control methods are described individually and the suites of methods most suited to each management objective are discussed.