Non-native marmot and rabbit populations will soon be exterminated on some islands near Kodiak Island in a move to restore native animal and plant wildlife.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) found invasive mammal species on the uninhabited islands near Kodiak and Akutan to be harmful to biological diversity.

By shooting and trapping the animals on Sud island in the Barren Islands, as well as Poa and Tangik Islands east of Akutan, USFWS and the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge aim to restore native ecosystems on islands adversely modified by the European rabbits and hoary marmots.

During a public comment period, they received 16 responses to the project. One response came from a governmental agency, two from conservation organizations, four from professional scientific organizations and nine from individuals.

Out of 16 responses, 14 were in support of the proposed action, one was opposed and one proposed a third alternative: to conduct more research at Tangik and Poa on the effects of European rabbits on burrow-nesting seabirds before determining whether to proceed with the preferred alternative.

The refuge is implementing one of the public comments by not using lead shot in order to prevent ingestion by birds. Steel shot or non-toxic lead alternatives will be used.

Most eradication programs by the refuge involved non-native foxes, mainly as part of the recovery program for the endangered Aleutian cackling goose.

The refuge is removing the invasive mammals to benefit burrow-nesting seabirds like tufted puffins, ancient murrelets, rhinoceros auklets and native plant communities.

Ridding the islands of rabbits and marmots will allow the adversely affected ecosystems on the islands to recover to more natural levels.

Rabbits prefer to use existing earthen burrows, and can reduce seabird populations through disturbance and displacement of nesting birds.

Both mammals also dramatically change the characteristics of landscapes, and this has caused an increase in chick mortality rates through exposure to predatory birds.

The introduction of invasive mammals mostly occurred prior to or during World War II. A resident of Akutan village introduced European rabbits on Tangik and Poa in approximately 1940. The marmots were introduced on Sud Island in 1930 for unknown reasons.

The project started on Poa, and is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

About two months will be spent at each island this spring, but the eradication operations may take more than one year.