DNA reveals the origin of rats found on Lord Howe Island after eradication

Black rats were believed to have been completely eliminated from Lord Howe Island, only for researchers to rediscover them in 2021. Through genetic analysis, they traced the rats back to the island’s prior population rather than any from the mainland of New South Wales. This finding sparked debates about how these rodents survived the eradication. Consequently, a swift initiative was launched to eradicate the newly returned rats.