DarwinPlus (DPLUS151): Building knowledge on invasive non-native species in Diego Garcia

Terrestrial biodiversity on Diego Garcia is under-recorded and at risk from invasive non-native species (INNS). The project surveys amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and plants, creates distribution- and risk-maps. We will produce an updated inventory of invertebrates with DNA-barcodes for selected species, and design and deliver biosecurity training, with outputs shared across UKOTs. Collaborating with the BIOT Administration, we will develop management plans to prevent future invasions and mitigate impacts of INNS. All data collected will be shared via Open Access platforms. The project targets the Darwin priority “To tackle invasive non-native species” by delivering a comprehensive dataset of INNS which will support INNS management on DG. It will help deliver BIOTA’s conservation priorities of management and prevention of new INNS arriving: To manage and where possible eradicate INNS through active programmes of control. This will be done by creating a comprehensive baseline survey across taxonomic groups and including native, non-native and invasive species on DG. Using this baseline dataset, BIOTA, supported by our team, will develop species-specific management plans. To prevent the introduction of new INNS through effective biosecurity measures. We will build the capacity of BIOTA and military biosecurity authorities to prioritise and prevent future invasions to DG and mitigate the impacts of existing INNS, including their spread through the archipelago. By “training trainers” of DG civilian staff, the project will also build capacity for biosecurity and INNS awareness beyond the lifetime of the project. In this project INBO mostly has responsibilities around survey and impact research of herpetofauna (e.g. cane toad).