State of the Environment and Conservation in the Pacific Islands: 2020 Regional Report: Indicators 19-20 - Managing invasive species in the Pacific

Abstract

Invasive species are the primary cause of extinction on islands (IUCN Red List 2020, SPREP 2016, SOCO 2017). Invasive species have been formally identified as a threat for 1,531 species in the Pacific islands region to date (IUCN Red List, 2020). Pacific leaders have established two core regional indicators for invasive species management. Efforts for invasive management are ongoing in almost all Pacific island countries and territories. Invasive species management is recognised globally and is increasingly being used in Oceania to protect native biodiversity, natural resources, food security, economic development, human health, and ecosystem services, such as water resources, nutrient cycles, and regulated erosion and fire regimes.