It may face predation and competition from cats, or the black, brown and Pacific rats that live on some parts of the island.

An early human vector occurred when prehistoric humans introduced the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) to Polynesia.

Pacific rats that have been introduced there now eat an estimated 25,000 petrel chicks every year.

The conservation project has included efforts to eradicate the presence of Pacific rats (Rattus exulans) which prey on native insects, birds and lizards on the islands.

The Pacific rat (rattus exulans), introduced by local Polynesian traders, has almost wiped out the existing colony, devouring 25,000 petrel chicks per annum.

Research in New Zealand has shown that the eating of the seeds by kiore (Pacific rats) substantially reduces the population of the tree.

There are no native mammals but the Pacific rat, introduced by Polynesians 800 years ago, abounds.

The main reasons for its extinction are possible the predation by the Pacific rat and the hunting by human settlers.

Both islands had populations of the non-native Pacific rat.

Feral cats are capable of taking seabirds as large as albatrosses, and many introduced rodents, such as the Pacific rat, can take eggs hidden in burrows.