A special task force of "rat-catchers" from the Beinan tribe recently visited Lanyu at the request of the locals to rid them of an alien species of rodents. And these mercenaries didn't disappoint, taking more than 400 rats captive in just three days.

Upon their arrival in Lanyu, the rat-catchers immediately set off after rodents.

After locating a trail in the grass, they unpack their equipment, put on head scarves and rainboots, and discuss strategy.

The eight rat-catchers are all members of the Beinan Tribe, and traveled to Lanyu from Taitung at the request of the local township office.

They brought with them more than 400 handmade traps made of coarse steel wire, used sugar to set the traps, and tied a strip of cloth on each one to mark it.

The team succeeded in catching more than 400 rats in just three days, including several giant woolly rats.

Lanyu residents are thrilled by their work, and are hoping to learn some rat-catching techniques from them before they return to Taitung.