Biosecurity threats a concern
It’s been an eventful couple of weeks for biosecurity in Taranaki.
Four weeks ago, during Biosecurity Week, I wrote about our new project with the Ministry for Primary Industries focusing on pest pathways into the region and the identification of potential new pest species. Just a couple of weeks later we were faced with an incursion of one of the world’s worst weeds, as well as an unwelcome Aussie at our border.
It started with a council Facebook post about alligator weed. A local reported a possible sighting in a Waitara lagoon and a sample confirmed our fears. This invasive aquatic pest plant has been on our radar for a while, as it’s established in neighbouring regions. While it is of course disappointing to have it here, the positive is we can now work to contain and remove it.
Around the same time, we heard a wallaby (with a joey) had been found in Mōkau. The Waikato Regional Council, which is leading the response, believes another is still at large. That’s a worry for Taranaki. Wallabies are serious pests, with the potential to do significant damage to Taranaki’s environment and native species. We are working closely with the Waikato council to stop that happening.
Coincidentally, members of the environment services team were at the National Biosecurity Conference as it all happened so had access to the country’s top wallaby and alligator weed experts. It was great to get advice from those already dealing with these pests.
Topping it off was the death of three kiwi in the Kaitake Ranges – a ferret the suspected culprit. It was a sad reminder of the damage predators do and why the Towards Predator-Free Taranaki project is so important.
But the news is not all bad. If we find new pests early, we can make a difference. Keep your eyes peeled and upload photos of suspicious species to the Find-a-Pest app or website.
❚ Steve Ellis is the environment services manager at Taranaki Regional Council.