Abstract
The proliferation of invasive species in new environments has significant impacts on food security, disease transmission, and conservation worldwide, particularly in insular island ecosystems where invasive species can have disproportionately large consequences. Traditional control techniques such as kill trapping, biocontrol, contraceptive, and poison control strategies have a long history of use for controlling problem species. However, concerns for animal welfare, off-target effects, and limitations to long-term efficiency have fuelled a search for novel, highly effective control techniques. Approaches that harness the power of genetics, such as species-specific toxins, the Trojan female technique and gene drives, show promise in addressing challenges associated with conventional management tools. Here, with a strong focus on vertebrate pests, we review concerns with existing invasive species management and then explore the current state of research and barriers to the development of genetic technology.