Palmerston Rat Eradication

A community-led, island-wide programme removed invasive rats from Palmerston; the National Environment Service confirmed rat-free status in December 2024, with ongoing biosecurity surveillance to prevent reinvasion.

Palmerston was confirmed rat-free in December 2024 following a major community-led eradication programme supported by Government and technical partners. The achievement protects native biodiversity, food security, public health and the island’s environment; a post-eradication biosecurity programme continues to guard against reinvasion.