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

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> size and serious nature <strong>of</strong> this infestation, a thorough ground survey should be conducted <strong>to</strong> determine <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problem and <strong>to</strong> develop a strategy for control and <strong>the</strong> prevention <strong>of</strong> spread country-wide. The biological evaluation by <strong>the</strong> USFS in 2006 recommended mapping, moni<strong>to</strong>ring and an integrated control program. The thrips Leothrips urichi is well stabled in <strong>the</strong> Nekken area and effective in controlling Clidemia in open areas but largely ineffective in shady forested habitats. In Hawaii, <strong>the</strong> pathogen Colle<strong>to</strong>trichum gleosporoides f. sp. clidemiae has defoliated extensive areas under cool, windy and moist wea<strong>the</strong>r conditions . • A single Datura metel (jimson weed) plant was found on Ngerchu (Carp) Island and it is infrequently seen on o<strong>the</strong>r islands. Examples <strong>of</strong> this weedy plant should be eliminated when <strong>the</strong>y are found. • A recent introduction, Episcia reptans (flame violet), is being planted extensively at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Palau</strong> Pacific Resort. An example was also seen on Koror. This attractive plant is likely <strong>to</strong> be cultivated widely as a garden plant. It appears <strong>to</strong> spread aggressively in low-light conditions, posing a threat <strong>of</strong> escape from cultivation. A risk assessment should be performed on this species <strong>to</strong> determine fur<strong>the</strong>r management action. A decision on fur<strong>the</strong>r action is needed soon; o<strong>the</strong>rwise, given its attractive nature, this plant will soon be planted all over <strong>Palau</strong>. • Falcataria moluccana (ukall ra ngebard, Moluccca albizia) may not be as invasive in <strong>Palau</strong> as elsewhere in <strong>the</strong> Pacific. In fact, some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> older trees are now dying and, if <strong>the</strong>y are not being replaced, <strong>the</strong> species may actually be decreasing in abundance. Never<strong>the</strong>less, given its invasive nature elsewhere and <strong>the</strong> difficulty and expense <strong>of</strong> controlling trees once <strong>the</strong>y become large, <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> infestation should be mapped and its reproduction and spread should be evaluated <strong>to</strong> confirm whe<strong>the</strong>r or not it is a threat. If a small plane is available it may be possible <strong>to</strong> conduct an aerial survey, given <strong>the</strong> distinctive appearance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> crown <strong>of</strong> this species. In <strong>the</strong> meantime, it would be prudent <strong>to</strong> not plant it more widely and <strong>to</strong> eliminate isolated trees where feasible. <strong>Palau</strong> should request technical assistance from <strong>the</strong> US Forest Service for evaluation, and if control is desired, request technical assistance from <strong>the</strong> National Park <strong>of</strong> American Samoa through <strong>the</strong> PILN. The wood <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se trees is extremely brittle and, if near homes or o<strong>the</strong>r habitation, pr<strong>of</strong>essional arborists are needed <strong>to</strong> fell <strong>the</strong>se trees. • Hyptis pectinata (mint weed) has <strong>the</strong> potential <strong>to</strong> become a problem in <strong>Palau</strong>, as it has several o<strong>the</strong>r places in <strong>the</strong> Pacific. It is primarily an agricultural pest and a weed <strong>of</strong> disturbed areas. Only a few specimens were seen on Babeldaob in 2002 and it was reported present on Angaur (Fosberg et al., 1979) but not seen. A survey should be conducted <strong>to</strong> determine <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> this species and, if feasible, it should be eradicated before it spreads more widely. Because it is primarily <strong>of</strong> agricultural concern, perhaps <strong>the</strong> Natural Resources Conservation Service could provide assistance. • Eradication <strong>of</strong> Imperata cylindrica should be pursued <strong>to</strong> completion. • The biological control agents for Lantana camara (lantana) should be moni<strong>to</strong>red <strong>to</strong> make sure <strong>the</strong>y are present. If not, or if new ones are available, <strong>the</strong>y may need <strong>to</strong> be introduced. 44
The Queensland Department <strong>of</strong> Natural Resources and Mines (Alan Fletcher Research Station, Brisbane) is rearing and releasing a range <strong>of</strong> agents in<strong>to</strong> lantana infestations in Queensland and New South Wales (Australia). Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se agents might be suitable for use in <strong>Palau</strong>. The Rock Islands should be moni<strong>to</strong>red for arrival <strong>of</strong> lantana and any plants destroyed. • Several examples <strong>of</strong> Melia azedarach (Chinaberry, pride-<strong>of</strong>-India, Indian lilac) were seen reproducing pr<strong>of</strong>usely in 2002 and several additional planted examples were found in this survey. This species should be surveyed and evaluated for possible eradication, since it has high potential <strong>to</strong> spread but as yet is <strong>of</strong> limited extent. • Because it can be a fire hazard, it would be desirable <strong>to</strong> map <strong>the</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> infestation <strong>of</strong> Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass) found in Ngaraard State, Babeldaob, and <strong>to</strong> search for and map any additional infestations. The species should be moni<strong>to</strong>red for spread following any wildfires in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> infestation. • There is a patch <strong>of</strong> Merremia hederacea (ivy woodrose) on Koror (down <strong>the</strong> road from <strong>the</strong> Yuhi Hotel). While it has probably been <strong>the</strong>re for some time it is a fairly aggressive vine, climbing over trees and o<strong>the</strong>r vegetation. It would be good <strong>to</strong> eradicate this species <strong>to</strong> forestall any fur<strong>the</strong>r spread. • An eradication campaign has been carried out against Mikania micrantha (teb el yas, mile-aminute weed) for over five years. While populations have been greatly reduced, substantial infestations remain, especially in taro patches, and reoccur elsewhere. The eradication program for this species should be reevaluated <strong>to</strong> determine if eradication is, in fact, feasible and whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> cost exceeds <strong>the</strong> potential benefits. Alternative sources <strong>of</strong> funding and public-private partnerships should also be explored for control or eradication where it is an urban or agricultural pest. • The status <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biological control agents for Mimosa diplotricha (mechiuaiuu, giant sensitive plant) should be checked and any new ones introduced, if appropriate. Every effort should be made <strong>to</strong> prevent its introduction <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> islands where it is not known <strong>to</strong> be present (Kayangel, Peleliu, <strong>the</strong> Rock Islands and <strong>the</strong> Southwest Islands) and it should be promptly eradicated on <strong>the</strong>se islands if found. The feasibility <strong>of</strong> eradication on Angaur should be evaluated. • Mimosa pudica (sensitive plant) is apparently not present on Kayangel, Peleliu, <strong>the</strong> Rock Islands and <strong>the</strong> Southwest Islands but it is highly likely <strong>to</strong> spread <strong>the</strong>re. Any infestations found should be promptly eradicated. It might be desirable <strong>to</strong> produce a warning leaflet or poster for both Mimosa diplotricha and Mimosa pudica for distribution on <strong>the</strong> islands that are presently free <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se pests. • Continue <strong>to</strong> evaluate <strong>the</strong> extent and distribution <strong>of</strong> Murraya paniculata (orange jessamine, satin-wood, Chinese box). It may be desirable <strong>to</strong> reduce <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> plants over time <strong>to</strong> lessen <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> its spread and <strong>to</strong> prevent <strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> citrus psyllid if it should be introduced. 45
Page 1: Report to<
Page 4 and 5: Pulo Ana ..........................
Page 7 and 8: Report to<
Page 9 and 10: of known or potent
Page 11 and 12: Leucas lavandulifolia [voucher 9929
Page 13 and 14: Rock Islands We were especially int
Page 15 and 16: 2. Species that are subjects <stron
Page 17 and 18: Clidemia hirta (kúi, Koster’s cu
Page 19 and 20: Timonius timon (Liberal) is widespr
Page 21 and 22: cultivation but this tree-climbing
Page 23 and 24: introduced to Penr
Page 25 and 26: Australia). Its weed risk assessmen
Page 27 and 28: lathyroides (cow pea, phasey bean),
Page 29 and 30: Cestrum diurnum (day cestrum, day j
Page 31: Piper auritum (eared pepper, also c
Page 34 and 35: has worked informally with
Page 36 and 37: Agriculture invasive species <stron
Page 38 and 39: Table A. Priority species for exclu
Page 40 and 41: Table B. Cultivated species <strong
Page 42 and 43: Table C. Critical species that shou
Page 44 and 45: Table D. Summary of</strong
Page 46 and 47: Table D. Summary of</strong
Page 49: • Adenanthera pa
Page 53 and 54: elsewhere in the P
Page 55 and 56: land clearing and timber harvesting
Page 57 and 58: Ngatpang State Scientific Name Comm
Page 59 and 60: Ngercheu (Carp Resort) Scientific N
Page 61 and 62: Appendix 1. Invasive plant species
Page 63 and 64: Table 2. Major species that are inv
Page 65 and 66: Table 3. Other spe
Page 67 and 68: Table 3. Other spe
Page 69 and 70: Table 4. Other inv
Page 73 and 74: Appendix 2. Invasive plant species
Page 75 and 76: Table 1. Invasive plant species <st
Page 95 and 96: Appendix 3. Invasive species presen
Page 97 and 98: Scientific Name Hawai'i Guam Yap Pa
Page 99 and 100: Scientific Name Hawai'i Guam Yap Pa
Page 101 and 102:
Scientific Name Hawai'i Guam Yap Pa
Page 103 and 104:
Page 105 and 106:
Page 107 and 108:
Page 109 and 110:
Table 1. Invasive species o
Page 111 and 112:
Page 113 and 114:
Page 115 and 116:
Page 117 and 118:
Page 119 and 120:
Page 121 and 122:
Page 123 and 124:
Page 125 and 126:
Page 127 and 128:
Appendix 5. Other
Page 129 and 130:
Table 1. Other inv
Page 131 and 132:
Table 2. Other inv
Page 133 and 134:
Table 2. Other inv
Page 135 and 136:
Table 3. Other inv
Page 137 and 138:
Table 5. Other inv
Page 139 and 140:
Table 6. Other inv
Page 141 and 142:
Table 8. Other inv
Page 143 and 144:
Appendix 6. Presence of</st
Page 145 and 146:
Table 2. Species of</strong
Page 147 and 148:
Page 149 and 150:
Page 151 and 152:
Page 153 and 154:
Page 155 and 156:
Page 157 and 158:
Page 159 and 160:
Page 161 and 162:
Page 163 and 164:
Page 165 and 166:
Page 167 and 168:
Page 169 and 170:
Page 171 and 172:
Page 173 and 174:
Page 175 and 176:
Page 177 and 178:
Page 179 and 180:
Page 181 and 182:
Page 183 and 184:
Page 185 and 186:
Page 187 and 188:
Table 1. Other spe
Page 189 and 190:
Table 2. Other spe
Page 191 and 192:
Table 3. Other spe
Page 193 and 194:
Table 3. Other spe
Page 195 and 196:
Table 4. Other spe
Page 197 and 198:
Table 4. Other spe
Page 199 and 200:
Table 5. Other spe
Page 201 and 202:
Table 5. Other spe
Page 203 and 204:
Table 6. Other spe
Page 205 and 206:
Table 6. Other spe
Page 207 and 208:
Table 6. Other spe
Page 209 and 210:
Table 7. Other spe
Page 211 and 212:
Table 7. Other spe
Page 213 and 214:
Table 8. Other spe
Page 215 and 216:
Table 8. Other spe
Page 217 and 218:
Table 8. Other spe
Page 219 and 220:
Table 9. Other spe
Page 221 and 222:
Table 9. Other spe
Page 223 and 224:
Appendix 8. Risk assessments for in
Page 225 and 226:
Page 227 and 228:
Page 229 and 230:
Synonym Listed as Family Gomphrena
Page 231 and 232:
Fosberg, F. R., and M.-H. Sachet. 1
Page 233:
Stoddart, D. R. 19
show all

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

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?