Report to the Republic of Palau: 2008 update on Invasive Plant ...

Praxelis clematidea (praxelis) was also an unintentional introduction, probably as a contaminant
in <strong>the</strong> hydroseed seed mix. It was found in only one location, in 2007, apparently present for one
or two years. All <strong>the</strong> plants were killed with herbicide, but <strong>the</strong>y had produced seed, so <strong>the</strong> site <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> infestation is being moni<strong>to</strong>red for possible regrowth.
Indig<strong>of</strong>era hirsuta (hairy indigo) was an unintentional introduction, probably as a contaminant <strong>of</strong>
<strong>the</strong> hydroseed seed mix. It was found along one section <strong>of</strong> road in 2007. This section was newly
seeded and <strong>the</strong> plants were discovered before <strong>the</strong>y had set seed. All <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m were uprooted and
burned and none have been found since. The Compact Road is regularly moni<strong>to</strong>red for regrowth
<strong>of</strong> this plant.
In summary, good contract specifications, close moni<strong>to</strong>ring and continued vigilence have paid
<strong>of</strong>f in a minimum number <strong>of</strong> new introductions, most <strong>of</strong> which were caught and eradicated
before <strong>the</strong>y could spread.
General observations and recommendations
<strong>Palau</strong> has taken a number <strong>of</strong> steps <strong>to</strong> actively prevent <strong>the</strong> introduction <strong>of</strong> invasive plant species
and manage or eradicate those that have become established. The Bureau <strong>of</strong> Agriculture has
operational responsibility and <strong>the</strong>re is a National Invasive Species Coordina<strong>to</strong>r, located at <strong>the</strong>
Bureau, who provides oversight and coordination. The Quarantine Service works <strong>to</strong> prevent new
introductions while <strong>the</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> Forestry’s Invasive Weed Eradication Officer and assistant
provide a focal point for management <strong>of</strong> new and established species.
<strong>Palau</strong> has an Invasive Weeds Committee (Weedbusters), but <strong>the</strong> committee has not been active
recently. Close and immediate coordination and cooperation between various government
departments and o<strong>the</strong>r entities is essential when an invasive species problem is encountered,
especially when <strong>the</strong>re is a need <strong>to</strong> move quickly <strong>to</strong> eradicate an introduced species. Such a
committee can be effective both for long-term strategic actions, such as review and streng<strong>the</strong>ning
<strong>of</strong> relevant laws and regulations, as well as short-term tactical and operational problems, such as
action when a new species is found <strong>to</strong> have been introduced. The National Government and <strong>the</strong>
Forestry Department have invasive species action plans. These plans should be reviewed and
<strong>update</strong>d, if necessary, with <strong>the</strong> aid <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> information provided in this report. These plans could
be complemented by one or more site based plans, such as for <strong>the</strong> Rock Islands, newly
designated areas in <strong>Palau</strong>’s recently formed Protected Areas Network, such as Lake Ngardok, or
within <strong>the</strong> scope <strong>of</strong> newly forming watershed partnerships (Babeldaob Watershed Alliance).
These plans would include critical areas <strong>to</strong> be protected and species subject <strong>to</strong> control or
eradication as well as <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> each governmental agency or o<strong>the</strong>r entity in control or
eradication measures. Time, money and people are always in limited supply and must be
directed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> places where <strong>the</strong>y will do <strong>the</strong> most good. Economic analysis can be used <strong>to</strong>
assess <strong>the</strong> costs and benefits <strong>of</strong> management strategies and prioritize action. Some
recommendations are made below as <strong>to</strong> possible actions against individual plant species, but
<strong>the</strong>se should be tested against available resources and o<strong>the</strong>r priorities.
<strong>Palau</strong> has laws and regulations in place that deal with quarantine and new introductions and in
<strong>2008</strong> passed <strong>the</strong> Protected Areas Network Act <strong>to</strong> protect biodiversity. However, <strong>the</strong>re are at
present no laws or regulations <strong>to</strong> control movement between islands within <strong>Palau</strong>. Quarantine
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