Invasive rats on tropical islands are quietly dismantling coral reef food webs
Invasive rats on tropical islands are triggering a cascade of ecological changes that extend deep into coral reef ecosystems. By preying on seabirds, the rats drastically reduce the bird populations responsible for delivering vital nutrients to surrounding reefs. The resulting nutrient imbalance has led to an uneven redistribution of marine life, with small cryptobenthic fish thriving in nutrient-rich zones and invertebrates dominating in less fertile areas. This restructuring of the reef food web underscores how a single invasive species on land can have far-reaching consequences underwater. Scientists warn the findings highlight the fragility of coral reef ecosystems and the urgent need to manage invasive species on island habitats.
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