Moves have begun to attack invasive species on Samoa's Aleipata Islands in an effort to preserve the large populations of protected species there.

Located off the eastern tip of the main island of Upolu, the four Aleipata islands host a diverse range of threatened species including the friendly ground dove, coconut crab, hawksbill turtle and several types of seabird.

The environment ministry says consultations have started with landowners on the islands to develop a management plan for invasive species, mainly the Polynesian rat, yellow crazy ant and feral pigs.