Photo of biosecurity threat 'hiding in plain sight' prompts reminder to Aussies
A photo of 25 young cacti has prompted council to issue a serious warning to Aussie residents about the risk of buying and selling invasive species, with serious fines applying if caught.
Sunshine Coast Council told Yahoo the cacti in the photo are "destructive invaders" to Australia and issued a reminder today after a non-local vendor was caught selling a range of invasive cacti at an event last July.
"These destructive invaders were hiding in plain sight," council said. The species photographed include Blind cactus (Opuntia rufida), Bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys) and Coral cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida).
According to Biosecurity Queensland, all of the species pictured are illegal to grow, keep or sell, and penalties may apply if caught in possession. "In Queensland it is illegal to sell invasive cacti on Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, at markets, nurseries, or any marketplace," it said.
Council has taken a tough stance on invasive plants in the region, with several new invasive plants added to their hit list for total destruction late last year.
'Many invasive plants were previously sold as garden plants and could be hiding on private properties," Sunshine Coast councillor Maria Suarez told Yahoo News. "Others spread by birds or the wind, finding their way into gardens. From there, they can spread to our creeks, reserves, dunes and other natural areas.
"Many can smother native vegetation, others are costly to our farmers and graziers, while some like annual ragweed pose health risks."
Yahoo previously reported on the devastating impacts the harrisia cactus has on the environment. It was originally introduced to Queensland as an ornamental plant in the 1800s. Its ability to grow in poor soil and reproduce through seeds or broken segments has seen it proliferate, invading pastures and reducing grazing land for livestock by forming dense thickets that are difficult to remove.
Its spines can injure animals, while its fruit, though eaten by some native and introduced animals, helps disperse its seeds, further spreading the infestation.
Councillor Tim Burns added everyone plays a role in protecting native species and natural areas — and urged residents to report troublesome weeds. "If you're the person in the know on invasive plants, you can spot a priority weed before it escapes and manage it effectively, or report weeds on Council's eradication and prevention lists," he said.
"Managing invasive plants at home means you're helping to protect our unique biodiversity."
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Community members were last year urged to be aware of and survey their properties for the identified 'eradication' plants, all off which should be removed or destroyed following an approved method.
The added species included drooping tree pear cactus, cane cactus, eve's pin cactus and prohibited cholla cacti — all of which the authorities say present a serious 'risk' — have been identified for eradication under the council's updated biosecurity plan.
"These species can do serious damage to our natural spaces and agriculture," council said. "Once they've infested an area it's incredibly difficult and expensive to manage."
They encourage Aussies to reach out to their local native nursery instead of purchasing destructive invasive plants.
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