Using genetics to plan black rat (Rattus rattus) management in Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil

Abstract

Invasive mammals such as rats are associated with negative impacts on native fauna and their eradication on islands around the world has been proved to result in substantial conservation gains. Fernando de Noronha is an archipelago located off the north-east coast of Brazil and has records of native fauna negatively impacted by introduced rats. We used D-Loop sequences and 14 microsatellite markers to investigate gene flow between three populations of Rattus rattus across two islands of Fernando de Noronha. Using both methods we found very great differentiation between the two islands, indicating very low or no gene flow. Our findings suggested if Rata Island were cleared of rats it would have a low probability of reinvasion occurring from the main island. Thus, we recommend an eradication program be implemented on Rata Island following the successful program on nearby Meio Island.