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 &regional 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