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The islands of the Western Indian Ocean are well known for their unique biodiversity. However, much of the native habitat has been destroyed and the remainder is threatened by invasive alien species. In this review we assessed the different protected area systems, synthesised the history of invasive alien plants and actions against them, and compared contrasting approaches in habitat management across the different island groups. Of the total terrestrial area of the Western Indian Ocean Islands, a third is under formal protection (defined as all six IUCN categories of protected areas), with the proportion of protected areas and conservation status differing substantially between the islands. The awareness of the problems related to protected areas and specific invasive alien plant control actions, and which are supported by official government strategic documents, are further developed in Mauritius …