How have introduced rats, cats, pigs, and goats affected island rails?

Many rails that evolved on small islands became flightless, which left them highly vulnerable to predation by animals introduced by humans during sea voyages, such as rats and cats. Additionally, the introduction of other non-native species like pigs and goats has contributed to the degradation of island habitats, further threatening these birds.1

These factors have had a devastating impact on rail populations; since approximately 1600, 18 species of rails have become extinct, and many others are currently listed as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. It is a fundamental ethical imperative to protect these fragile island ecosystems and prevent the further loss of biodiversity caused by human-introduced invasive species.1