Actions speak louder than words: a call for preventing further mongoose invasions in Fiji

The small Indian mongoose was deliberately released into Fiji to control rats. Unfortunately, since their arrival many bird and reptile species have disappeared from the two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, and mongoose are the likely culprits. Fortunately, mongoose have not been introduced to every island in Fiji. Thus, it is imperative that we prevent mongoose from ever reaching these offshore havens. However, this is unlikely because the public is not aware of the problems created by mongoose and there are few biosecurity controls in place. To prevent further mongoose invasions, we need an active “first-strike” response team that will rapidly deal with any reported incursions. The various “first-strike” methods that should be employed to prevent mongoose from invading these mongoose-free Fijian islands are discussed.