Polynesian storm petrels (Nesofregetta fuliginosa) have returned to Kamaka Island in French Polynesia, marking their first appearance in over 100+ years. This rare seabird species, with only 250-1,000 individuals remaining worldwide, was driven to local extinction by invasive rats that preyed on their eggs, chicks, and adult birds. The restoration project tackled the rat problem using innovative drone technology. ENVICO, an Aotearoa New Zealand-based drone company, executed over 600 flights to distribute rat poison across the 0.5-square-kilometer island. The operation succeeded where a 2015 attempt had failed due to the island’s challenging terrain. “A majority of extinctions occur on islands … Continue reading Polynesian Storm-Petrels Return to Kamaka Island After 100+ Years of Extinction