Trapping strategies for deterring the spread of brown tree snakes from Guam. Paci@c Conservation Biology 4

The accidental introduction of lhe Brown Tree Snake Boiga Ir~qularis to Guam has resulted in the extirpation of most of the island's native terrestrial wnebrates, has presented a heallh hazard to infants and children, and also has p ~ u ~ an economic problem. Prevention of it $ dispersal through Guam's cargo traffic to other Pacific islands has became a high environmental priority, Trapping around ports and other cargo staging areas IS central to a: integrated pest management programme designed to deter d i s p w l of the speeles In this study, perimeter lapping of foresled plots chamdenstic ol!hose found in port areas was found 19 be h e most effective trap placemen1 sialegy, allhough trap lines cut through the plot interior or placed along a single plot Mundaly were also effective. Snake removal potentially can be modelled using an aponential dway over time, providing the manager with a planning tool. Population recovery of Brown Tree Snakes in trapped plob was found to be slow in the fragmented forested habitats found around PO*