Drones: Emergence of a transformative technology for island rodent eradications

Abstract

Invasive rodent species represent a primary threat to island ecosystems. Efforts to remove them have expanded in recent decades, driven in part by aerial broadcast of rodenticide over large areas using helicopters. However, use of this method remains largely restricted to the small number of countries where the required equipment, infrastructure, and expertise are accessible. Here, we explore the emergence of drones as a promising advancement offering precise bait delivery in remote contexts. We report on six drone-assisted campaigns across five Pacific nations, demonstrating successful rodent eradications despite technical challenges. At this stage of development, limitations in payload, endurance, and reliability require careful evaluation and risk management by practitioners. Nonetheless, rapid advancements in drone technology suggest these constraints will loosen over time. As capabilities expand, drones may not only complement existing methods but also enable novel, transformative eradication strategies.