Verified for authenticity Learn MoreIMPACT PROMISE
Our Partners are carefully selected due to their high conservation impact
Partner Snapshot
Suwarrow, Cook Islands (Cook Islands National Park)
- Ecosystem Restoration
- Education
- Endangered Species
- Bristle-thighed Curlew (Numenius tahitiensis)
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)
- Invasive rats threatening nesting seabird populations
- Invasive species deteriorating natural habitat and native vegetation
- Ecosystem degradation reducing nutrient flow to coral reefs
- Conduct feasibility study to assess rat populations
- Implement eradication project with field team
- Create awareness materials about island restoration benefits
The Challenge
Conservation organizations in the Cook Islands face significant challenges in securing unrestricted funding for critical conservation projects. This limitation particularly affects initiatives of high conservation significance, such as the urgently needed rat eradication project in Cook Islands National Park at Suwarrow Atoll.
Invasive rat populations pose a severe threat to Suwarrow's delicate ecosystem. These predators directly impact nesting seabird populations, deteriorate natural habitats by damaging native vegetation, and disrupt the natural nutrient cycle. When seabird populations decline, less guano enters the surrounding coral reef ecosystems, reducing marine productivity levels and affecting the entire food web. Despite the clear conservation priority, limited access to dedicated funding has prevented immediate action on this critical issue.
Urgent Solutions
Your support will enable Te Ipukarea Society to implement a comprehensive rat eradication project on Suwarrow Atoll, maintaining its predator-free status and protecting its unique biodiversity. With a goal of $50,000, this project will deliver lasting conservation impact.
The project will proceed in three essential phases:
- Feasibility Assessment: Conduct a thorough study to identify which atolls have rat populations and determine the precise amount of bait needed for successful eradication.
- Field Implementation: Deploy a five-member field team with specialized equipment and sufficient bait, transported via cargo boat to this remote location.
- Community Engagement: Produce educational videos and articles to raise awareness about the eradication process and the ecological benefits of rat-free islands.
- Technical Support: Provide ongoing technical assistance to ensure project success and long-term monitoring capabilities.
Why Your Donation Matters
Your donation will directly Save Suwarrow's Seabirds and restore the health of interconnected island and marine ecosystems. By making Suwarrow predator-free, we can achieve transformative conservation outcomes that benefit both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
The benefits of rat-free islands extend far beyond protecting individual species. Restored atoll habitats support the recovery of native vegetation, creating suitable nesting sites for seabirds. As seabird populations rebound, their guano provides essential nutrients that flow into surrounding coral reef ecosystems, enhancing marine productivity and supporting diverse fish populations, including endangered species like the Humphead Wrasse.
This project represents a rare opportunity to create lasting positive change in one of the Pacific's most important seabird sanctuaries. Your support will ensure that Suwarrow remains a thriving refuge for endangered species and continues to play its vital role in maintaining healthy Pacific Ocean ecosystems for generations to come.
