By Karen Varnham

From their original ranges in Asia, black and brown rats (R. rattus and R. norvegicus) are now present across much of the world, including many island groups. They are among the most widespread and damaging invasive mammalian species in the world, known to cause significant ecological damage to a wide range of plant and animal species. Whilst their distribution is now global, this report focuses on their occurrence, ecology and impact within the tropics and reviews key factors relating to the eradication of these species from tropical islands based on both eradication successes and failures.

Varnham, K (2010). Invasive rats on tropical islands: Their history, ecology, impacts and eradication. RSPB Research Report No. 41. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Sandy, Bedfordshire, UK. ISBN 978-1-905601-28-8