Environmental threat on the islets of Wallis: Authorities launch a campaign against invasive rats.
The Territorial Environmental Service (STE) and the Health Agency unite to protect biodiversity and human health.
The islets of Wallis are facing a growing threat to their biodiversity and public health from multiplying rats that disrupt the ecological balance. By feeding on fruits, seeds, and young shoots, they disturb forest regeneration and impact crops. Besides affecting the food security of the population, rats pose potentially serious health risks as vectors of leptospirosis.
In response to this situation, the Territorial Environmental Service, supported by the European project PROTEGE, is taking decisive measures to combat this growing menace.
Following successful operations to remove pigs and rats from the islets of Wallis and at the urgent request of the Territory's authorities, the STE has acquired specialized equipment to intensify the fight against these invasive animal species on the main islands. Thanks to PROTEGE funding, these new initiatives aim to preserve fragile biodiversity and protect public health.
During the second half of 2023, the STE and the Health Agency will collaborate to distribute rat traps and awareness materials to all households in the territory. This awareness campaign aims not only to inform residents about the devastating impacts of rats on the environment and human health but also to raise awareness about the list of protected species.
