This project will explore the feasibility of genetic biocontrol technologies for the management of the invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis, hereafter BTS) in Guam. The project team will develop biological and social foundations to evaluate genetic approaches as a viable long-term management and eradication strategy. BTS have caused ecological devastation in Guam, contribute to widespread power outages and pose a threat to the broader Indo-Pacific region. Current biosecurity measures are effective but represent substantial and ongoing investments that may not be sustainable over the long term. This work aims to establish BTS cell cultures as a model system to test a suite of genetic tools that could facilitate the development of a genetic biocontrol strategy. By developing cell-based models to evaluate genome editing approaches, including methods based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated proteins, and by integrating stakeholder engagement throughout the research process, this work can help to reduce uncertainty regarding both the technical feasibility and social acceptability of genetic control approaches.

The project plan includes two complementary approaches: cell culture and stakeholder engagement. The first approach focuses on establishing and characterizing BTS primary cell cultures from tissues collected in Guam, achieving successful uptake of genetic constructs using lipofection methods, and manipulating proof-of-concept gene targets using CRISPR-Cas approaches. This approach can inform whether more complex genetic manipulations are feasible in a non-model organism such as BTS. For the latter approach, an initial survey will be developed and administered to understand the perspectives of key BTS management and local community stakeholders in Guam regarding BTS, existing control tools, and novel biocontrol tools such as the one being evaluated in this project. The survey serves as an initial engagement effort to inform subsequent efforts to introduce and explain technologies that may be perceived as controversial, such as genetic biocontrol.

This research supports collaboration between the Department of the Navy and the U.S. Geological Survey to protect critical infrastructure, sustain training operations, and reduce the high costs and risks associated with current BTS control methods in Guam. Genetic biocontrol offers the potential for a more effective, species-specific alternative that could operate in concert with existing biosecurity measures. Guam provides an ideal demonstration site, as there are no native snake species and extensive interdiction programs are already in place to prevent BTS spread to other locations. By developing cellular and molecular tools and integrating stakeholder engagement early in the research process, the project aims to establish biological and social foundations to evaluate genetic biocontrol as a viable long-term management strategy. Results can be used to inform future investments in genetic control approaches and support broader efforts to prevent BTS establishment in the Indo-Pacific region. (Anticipated Limited Scope Project Completion - 2026).