Rats removed from WA's Penguin Island

Up to 5000 predatory black rats have been eliminated from WA's Penguin Island, which has been now been declared rat-free.

The Department of Parks and Wildlife said its baiting program had successfully removed the pests from the island.

The rats were endangering the island's native animals, the department said.

"Black rats are one of the world's most widespread and destructive invasive animal species. The rats were attacking birds, eggs, penguin chicks and native skinks." Environment Minister Albert Jacob said.

Penguin Island, near Perth, is popular with tourists and home to Western Australia's largest colony of 1200 little penguins.