|
It matters little whether the introduced species is
flora or fauna as the cost to Australia from these invasive non-native species
is $3.3B per year and those figures are from 1997. This of course is only a
monetary cost, the real cost is loss of native flora and fauna. Currently in New
South Wales a proposal is under consideration for the introduction of
Bombus terrestris (European Bumble Bee), to aid pollination rates in the
Greenhouse industry and in particular, Tomato production. This pest was
illegally released in Tasmania in the late 1980's and despite claims it would
not spread, has colonised all World Heritage areas and most National Parks. It
has spread at a rate of 25km per year and is found in low (600mm pa) and high
(3200mm pa) rainfall areas and altitudes from sea level to 1260 mts. It was also
introduced into New Zealand in 1885 to aid pollination of red clover but as in
all other countries it has proved impossible to control. Do we need any more
evidence?
Alan W Stephenson
National Conservation Officer
Australasian Native Orchid Society
Conservation Director
Australian Orchid
Council
|
_______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
