Invasions of the Brown Tree Snake

Potential Economic Damage from Introduction of Brown Tree Snakes, Boiga irregularis (Reptilia: Colubridae), to the Islands of Hawai‘i

The Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis) has caused ecological and economic damage to Guam, and the snake has the potential to colonize other islands in the Pacific Ocean. This study quantifies the potential economic damage if the snake were translocated, established in the state of Hawai‘i, and causing damage at levels similar to those on Guam. Damages modeled included costs of medical treatme...

Standardizing the evaluation of brown tree snake trap designs

The introduced brown tree snake has had devastating impacts on the native vertebrate fauna of Guam. Trapping is the primary means by which brown tree snakes are removed, either in support of reintroduction of endangered species or to deter their movement from Guam in cargo. Traps used to control brown tree snake populations have been continually evolving since the 1980s. Before general operatio...

Operational Control Of The Brown Tree Snake On Guam

An operational control program for brown tree snakes (Boiga irregulans) on Guam began in April 1993. The program focused on minimizing the dispersal of brown tree snakes to other Pacific islands and the U.S. mainland. During the first year of operation, more than 3,000 snakes were caught within a kilometer of high risk port facilities using traps, detector dogs, and spotlighting. Additionally, ...

Ecotoxicological Risks of Potential Toxicants for Brown Tree Snake Control on Guam

Brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) population density and carcass locations following exposure to acetaminophen.

Mass aerial delivery of dead mouse baits treated with acetaminophen has been evaluated as a means to reduce brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) populations over large areas, increasing the likelihood of wide-scale eradication on Guam. Given the high density of snakes in some areas of their invasive range, eradication efforts could result in a resource pulse that may influence food web dynamics...