Objectives and integrated approaches for the control of brown tree snakes: An updated overview

After its inadvertent introduction to Guam, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis, BTS) extirpated most of the island's native terrestrial vertebrates, presented a health hazard to small children, and had considerable economic ramifications. Management of BTS is aimed at a number of objective...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental management 2018-08, Vol.219, p.115-124
Main Authors: Engeman, Richard M., Shiels, Aaron B., Clark, Craig S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boiga irregularis
Detector-dogs
Endangered species
Integrated pest management
Invasive species
Transportation
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Summary:After its inadvertent introduction to Guam, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis, BTS) extirpated most of the island's native terrestrial vertebrates, presented a health hazard to small children, and had considerable economic ramifications. Management of BTS is aimed at a number of objectives, the foremost of which has been to deter its dispersal from Guam to other locations. Further objectives include reclaiming areas on Guam as snake-free for reintroduction of native wildlife, to protect small sensitive sites on Guam from BTS intrusion (e.g, power stations, bird nesting sites), to contain and capture stowaway BTS incoming to vulnerable destinations, and to control incipient populations in other areas beyond their native range. A number of control tools have been developed, and the efficacy of each control method depends on the situation to which it is applied. Integration of control methods provides the most efficacious results for all objectives. Here, we outline the different objectives for managing BTS, and the tools and methods available for BTS management. We complete the picture by describing which tools and methods are best suited to accomplish each management objective. •Invasive BTS have caused extreme negative impacts on Guam fauna, health, economics.•The objectives for BTS control are described; deterring spread from Guam is primary.•Other objectives: reclaim areas on Guam, protect small sensitive sites on Guam.•And control incipient BTS populations elsewhere.•Available BTS control methods described & rated for addressing each control objective.
ISSN:0301-4797
1095-8630
DOI:10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.04.092