Bait Bolas Innovation Could Transform Island Conservation, Study Finds

VICTORIA, Seychelles — A simple yet ground-breaking innovation could open the door to restoring millions of hectares of tropical island ecosystems currently threatened by invasive species, a new study has found. The research focuses on the development of bait ‘bolas’ — pellets connected by string that tangle in mangrove canopies, staying dry and logical.

According to the study, an investment of approximately US$850,000 could be used to develop and test the necessary technology. The innovation could be a game-changer for islands facing challenges in restoring challenging habitats in these regions, where traditional rodent eradication methods are difficult to apply in large areas of mangrove forests.

Invasive species on islands prey on native birds, reptiles, insects and plant seeds, severely disrupting ecosystems. While rodent eradication has proven successful on hundreds of islands worldwide, it remains difficult to apply in large areas of mangrove forests. Researchers believe that the new approach could help overcome this limitation, opening the door to the restoration of millions of hectares of tropical island ecosystems and protecting biodiversity for future generations.