invasive alien species affecting agriculture in...
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INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES AFFECTING AGRICULTURE IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Presented By: Janil Gore-Francis
INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
Invasive alien species are plants, animals, pathogens and other organisms that are non-native to an ecosystem, and which may cause economic or environmental harm or adversely affect human health. In particular, they impact adversely upon biodiversity, including decline or elimination of native species - through competition, predation, or transmission of pathogens - and the disruption of local ecosystems and ecosystem functions.
- CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
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TYPES OF IAS: ANIMALSBIRDS AMPHIBIANS & FISH
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Cuban tree frog: 2006
Lionfish: 2011
Whistling duck
TYPES OF IAS: ANIMALS CONT’D
MOLLUSCS
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Giant African Snail: 2008
Cuban Garden Snail: ~2006
Golden Apple Snail: 2009
TYPES OF IAS: ANIMALS CONT’D.INSECTS
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Pink Hibiscus mealybug: 2000
Papaya Mealybug: 1998
TYPES OF IAS: ANIMALS CONT’D.
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INSECTS
Hairy crazy ant: 2011
Red imported Fireant: 1999
TYPES OF IAS: ANIMALS CONT’D.
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West Indian Fruitfly: 2008
Agave weevil: 2010
TYPES OF IAS: ANIMALS CONT’D.ARACHNIDS
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Varroamite: ~2005
Red palm mite: 2008
Tropical bont tick: 1998
TYPES OF IAS: PLANTSLEMON GRASS
SOUTHERN CATTAIL
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TYPES OF IAS: MICROORGANISMS
CITRUS GREENING LETHAL YELLOWING & BUDROT
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Lethal yellowing: 2012
Budrot: 2012
NATIONAL IAS PROGRAMS & PROJECTSPROJECT OBJECTIVE(S) EXECUTING
AGENCY
Management of IAS within watersheds (incl. lemongrass)
Improvement of ecosystems’ resilience to climate change through reduced IAS destruction of vegetation
Environment Division & the Forestry Unit
Revitalizing Redonda: Removal of Eurasian black rats & feral goats from Redonda
Preservation of globally significant species unique/endemic to the island (e.g., 7 birds & 3 reptiles)
EnvironmentalAwareness Group (assisted by Durrell Wildlife, etc.)
Giant African Snail Eradication Program
Eradication of the GAS from Antigua and prevention of spread to Barbuda & other off-shore islands
The GAS Eradication Task Force (chair: Plant Protection)
Lionfish Management Program
Management of the lionfish through education, control removal ®ional collaboration
Fisheries Division
Conservation of the Antigua Racer Snake on off-shore islands
Maintenance of freedom of the islands from rodents, through education and monitoring
EnvironmentalAwareness Group
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ISSUES & CHALLENGES
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In many cases, the impact of IAS has not been quantified (e.g., the Cuban tree frog) & is based primarily on observation
The availability of financial & other resources to tackle problems in the early stages (e.g., lethal yellowing disease of palms) or ensure sustainability of funded projects (e.g., the tropical bont tick eradication project)
Reaction to IAS issues has generally been reactive rather than proactive
GAPS & NEEDS FOR DEALING W/IAS
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A national/regional invasive species strategy & management plan is required
Institutional arrangements & relevant laws and regulations aimed at prevention of entry and management of IAS need to be strengthened/amended
Training is required in early detection of IAS threatening the region for surveillance officers and officers at the ports of entry (customs, immigration, plant and animal quarantine inspectors, etc.)
Effective public awareness/education programs & the development of emergency action plans for IAS in the region are required
OPPORTUNITIES
Conduct research, where possible, to determine whether the food preferences may be developed in some IAS for other IAS as a means of management (e.g., parrot fish for lionfish, mongoose for Giant African Snail, etc.)
Establish links with existing regional and other groups, etc. (e.g., Caribbean Plant Health Directors Forum, Chief Veterinary Officers Forum, national Environment Departments, etc.) to work synergistically towards production of an Invasive Alien Species Regional Management Strategy
Utilize information already available/produced by CAB International, etc.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Helena Jeffery Brown – Environment Division
Adriel Thibou – Forestry Unit
Mark Archibald – Fisheries Division
Environmental Awareness Group (EAG)
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THANK YOU.
1995 2011
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Vegetation biomass and diversity has increased on islands cleared of ratsCourtesy: Environmental Awareness Group