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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Toxic invasive species found hidden in plain sight beside busy Aussie road
Every day, more than 22,000 cars speed past it without a second glance. But just inches from the traffic on a busy Western Sydney street, a fast-spreading 'jumbo weed' is silently smothering native Australian plants. On a median strip at a busy intersection at Hoxton Park, poisonous moth vines have started creeping between shrubs and grasses, and snaking their way up trees. While they may not look particularly threatening to passersby, the plants have toxic sap, leaves and seeds that can be harmful to people and wildlife. Despite the busy location next to Fifteenth Avenue and Cowpasture Road, it's common for weeds to go unnoticed, Dr Carol Booth from the Invasive Species Council told Yahoo News. 'Weeds often grow unnoticed in prominent places. Understandably, many Aussies don't know a weed from a native,' she said. 'Australia has about 23,000 native plant species and more than 3,000 introduced species growing in the wild. That's why it's important that Australia's governments stop allowing the sale of weedy garden plants rather than relying on people to work out for themselves what is safe to plant.' Moth vines produce pods which each carry up to 500 seeds that can remain viable for up to five years. The fruits split open while still attached to the vine and release the seeds, which have a tuft of silky hairs that allow them to spread quickly by wind, water or animal movement. The rapidly-growing weed can grow in the shade, making it easy to weasel its way into forests, orchards and garden beds. Dr Booth said if a resident spots a moth vine growing in their backyard, they can control it with herbicides. 'Young plants can be removed by hand,' she said, adding a reminder to take care to avoid contact with the sap. A Liverpool Council spokesperson said the area where the moth vine was found was actually NSW Government land, but they still encourage residents to report noxious weeds. 'The report will be logged and sent to our maintenance crews for evaluation and action if needed. If like this weed it is not on council maintained land, we will report it to the relevant agency or property owner,' they said. 'Caution is recommended when dealing with moth vine. The plant produces sticky seed pods that can trap and kill small birds and insects. Its milky sap is toxic, causing skin irritation and allergic reactions in humans, and can be harmful to pets. 'If you find moth vine, do not ignore it—report it to your local council or biosecurity authority. If you decide to pull it out, wear gloves and protective eyewear. Make sure the entire root system is pulled out. Dispose it in a sealed bag and never compost it because it regrows and spreads further.' The weeds are currently being treated as a biosecurity issue in some parts of Australia, including Canberra. And in the NSW Riverina region, citrus growers have reported their trees being overtaken by moth vines, leading Griffith City Council to issue a warning for farmers to remain vigilant. Yahoo News has reached out to TfNSW for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie fishers target invasive species for $2000 prize pool, but experts have concerns: 'Only takes one idiot'
Fishermen in one Aussie state are being given the chance to win a share of $2000 for targeting one of the nation's most destructive invasive species, but experts are warning it only takes one 'idiot' to make the situation a whole lot worse. Earlier this month Central Coast Council launched a fishing competition promoting participants to target carp in local waterways. The species compete with native fish for food and habitat, and stir up sediment when they feed. This deteriorates water quality, causes less light to filter through and reduces oxygen levels, leading to the decline of aquatic plants and habitats. Carp can also contribute to algal blooms that can be harmful to humans and animals. Their destructive behaviour is heightened due to their large numbers. Females can lay up to one million eggs a year, making it difficult to eradicate the species. In some waterways, like the Murray Darling Basin, carp now make up 80 to 90 per cent of the fish population. Three weeks into the Carp to Croc competition, hundreds of carp have been caught and registered by local fishers vying for a prize. The council says the catch can either be cooked at home or donated to the Australian Reptile Farm to be used as food for their crocodiles and alligators. While the competition is helping to make a small dent in local carp populations, a Central Coast Council spokesperson told Yahoo News the aim of the event is to 'generate awareness' of the detrimental impact carp can have on local waterways. "The Carp to Croc Muster is a fun way to get the community, particularly keen anglers, involved as well as educate the broader community," the spokesperson said. "To date 263 carp catches have been registered during the Muster period, and around 80 have been frozen ready for the Reptile Park." Carp fishing competitions take place all over Australia, including the popular Lake Keepit Carp Frenzy and the Goondiwindi Classic. Just last month the SA Carp Frenzy helped to remove 4 tonnes of fish from Lake Bonney. While education is always a good thing, Dr Carol Booth from the Invasive Species Council believes recreational fishing is generally 'not an effecting method of carp control'. She warns that suggesting carp as a food source could potentially have the opposite effect. 'We don't want to be spoil sports and donating fish to feed crocodiles sounds like a good thing. But we have concerns about promoting carp as a human meal,' Dr Booth said. 'Invasive fish are commonly spread into new waterways by people wanting a new fishing or dining opportunity. It only takes one or two such idiots to lead to a new carp-invaded river. 'It's for that reason that the Queensland Government is wise to ban the eating of noxious fish like carp and tilapia. Those caught must be destroyed.' Dr Booth said the Australian Government is investigating the feasibility of releasing a biocontrol agent – Cyprinid herpesvirus 3. The virus is naturally occurring and fatal to carp and is not known to harm other fish species. If successful, it is estimated the biocontrol agent could reduce carp numbers by up to 80 per cent. Carp are found in every state and territory in Australia except for the Northern Territory. In Queensland, it is not permitted to eat carp. For more information about the Carp to Croc fishing competition, or to register, click here. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Garden warning as poisonous invasive species spreads: 'Literally a big problem'
Property owners are being urged to contact authorities if they find a toxic plant described as a "jumbo weed", with gardeners reminded to be on the look out for Moth Vines – and even report a neighbour if they spot them growing over the fence. Residents in Canberra and surrounding areas are the latest to be warned to keep their eyes peeled for the noxious vine, which spreads quickly and produces leaves and seeds that are poisonous. "Moth Vines are literally a big problem," the ACT's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate told property owners online this week. "Native to South America, these jumbo weeds can grow up to 10m in length and spread easily through air and water. They contain a sap that's poisonous to humans, and if left uncontained, their long tendrils will suffocate native plants." The department said residents should report sightings of the invasive plant to its biosecurity team, saying people were even able to report their neighbours and that authorities "will attend private properties" for subsequent inspections. Speaking to Yahoo News, Dr Carol Booth, Policy Director at the Invasive Species Council of Australia explained the plant was actually introduced a long time ago as a garden plant. The vine is also sometimes known cruel vine or moth catcher and derives its name from the fact its flowers attract and occasionally trap moths and butterflies with a sucking organ known as a proboscis. "But this is accidental, for the moth vine is not carnivorous," Dr Booth said. Areas with expansive bushland like the ACT are particularly fertile grounds for the invader. "This quick-growing vine invades bushland and can smother shrubs and small trees," Dr Booth told Yahoo said. "The sap, leaves and seeds are poisonous to people and wildlife. The caustic sap can cause skin and eye irritation and occasionally breathing difficulties." According to NSW Department of Primary Industries, there are records of poultry, cattle and horses being poisoned by the plant but it is not very common. "Symptoms include: poor balance, staggering, vomiting and abdominal pain," DPI says on its website. "Animals can recover but moth vine can also result in death." The vine produces a large green fruit that one Aussie mum has previously mistaken for an innocuous 'choko', also known as chayote or alligator pear, which is green vegetable similar to zucchini and can be eaten raw. Fears for 'precious' plant found in only one place in Australia Woman's 'incredible' 500-year-old discovery hidden behind invasive weed Warning not to touch invasive weed 'growing everywhere' in Aussie suburb The plant exudes a smelly, milky latex and residents should use gloves when pulling out the vine and cut roots at least 10cm below the ground. Moth Vine has become established in all states and territories in Australia except the Northern Territory. The Queensland government also warns on its onilne information page for the species that "everyone has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants under their control."
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Outback battle erupts over potential change to status of invasive species: 'Devastating killer'
Debate has ignited between Australian farmers and conservationists after buffel grass, an introduced species, was nominated for inclusion on the Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) list by the federal government. The Indigenous Desert Alliance, Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board and the Arid Lands Environment Centre said the nomination, backed by extensive research and support from 48 organisations, reflects buffel grass's widespread environmental, social and cultural impacts. Speaking to Yahoo, the Invasive Species Council's Dr Carol Booth branded buffel one of Australia's "most devastating invaders", known for taking over vast areas and fuelling "fierce tree-killing fires". But many Australian farmers and pastoralists support it for its resilience and value as a drought-tolerant pasture for livestock. The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) said calls to list buffel as a WoNS are ignoring the benefits it provides to graziers across the country. NFF's Angus Atkinson said while WoNS status is "a useful tool," it should only be applied "where there is consensus that a plant is a weed" and would benefit from "national coordination and support." Originally introduced for dust control and livestock grazing in the 1800s, buffel grass has since spread rapidly, increasing the frequency of wildfires, threatening biodiversity, damaging infrastructure and disrupting First Nations' cultural practices. It is already listed as a key threat in conservation advice for at least 31 species under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. South Australia declared buffel grass a weed in 2015, and the Northern Territory has also listed it as a pest plant. However, it remains widely used by pastoralists in other states. Aussies told to hunt for invasive threat 'lurking' in gardens Iconic species faces 'being lost forever' over $18 billion threat Aussies told to urgently check gardens for 'serious weed' on the move Booth said the Invasive Species Council strongly endorses the nomination of buffel grass as a WONS. "As one of Australia's very worst weeds, it needs a concerted national focus," she said. "It is an ecosystem transformer — turning diverse Australian plant communities into buffel monocultures, including in national parks and Indigenous protected areas. "Buffel is also a major hazard for people (particularly Aboriginal communities), Indigenous cultural sites and bush tucker, and infrastructure. Climate and oil modelling predict that 25 per cent of Australia is 'highly suitable' and 43 per cent 'suitable' for buffel grass. Booth said if buffel grass is declared a WoSN, the focus of the program would be to reduce its impacts on the environment, culture and communities. "The WoNS listing would not affect pastoralists," she said. But according to Atkinson, the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee Chair at the NFF, buffel provides essential feed in arid regions where few other grasses can thrive. He said it helps to sustain grazing operations during dry conditions, too. Atkinson told Yahoo the NFF, with the active support of its members, continues to seek a separate process for assessment of contentious plants. "Buffel has significant grazing benefits in northern Australia and those benefits need careful and balanced consideration," he argued. "It is a high-yielding plant renowned for its resilience in arid regions. It also has significant environmental co-benefits, including land rehabilitation, protecting grasslands, and erosion mitigation. "NFF members would much rather it be referred to as a 'feed of national significance'. There is no doubt that tackling weeds is a significant concern for farmers. The NFF and its members believe buffel grass needs to be treated as the complex plant that it is." On Thursday, federal MP Bob Katter strongly opposed the proposed classification of buffel grass as a WoNS. "Buffel grass wasn't brought here by accident — it was introduced because it's one of the best options we've got. It holds the soil together and keeps the cattle fed even during drought," he said. "The Gulf and Peninsula were built on buffel, Brahman, and bitumen." However, the species' aggressive growth outcompetes native vegetation, leading to the loss of biodiversity and threatening the survival of native plant species and wildlife. The weed's spread has also hindered access to cultural sites and reduced the availability of plants that Indigenous communities rely on for food and healing. The dominance of buffel grass in various regions significantly disrupts the complexity of local plant and animal communities, resulting in a more uniform and less diverse ecosystem. This simplification weakens their resilience, making them more vulnerable to environmental stressors and less capable of adapting to changes such as climate shifts and natural disturbances. After the nomination, the Australian government will assess the submission through a panel of experts. This involves evaluating the weed's environmental, social, and economic impacts, alongside the scientific evidence provided in the nomination. A decision will be made later this year on whether buffel will officially be added to the WoNS list. If approved, the recognition would trigger a coordinated national approach to managing its spread and mitigating its negative effects, including heightened fire risks and biodiversity loss. This could lead to additional resources and strategies to control buffel grass, particularly in conservation areas and lands important to First Nations communities. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussies warned about 'terrible' threat taking over waterways: 'Be on the lookout'
Authorities are urging the public to keep an eye out for a notorious species of clam — one of the globe's "worst invaders" — that's taking over Australian waterways. Particularly prevalent in Brisbane, conservationists and biosecurity agencies are warning Aussies to monitor for freshwater gold clam. The Invasive Species Council's Dr Carol Booth warned the pest, if left unchecked, can explode in numbers. "Another potentially terrible invader is now permanently established in Australia with the potential to transform freshwater ecosystems," Booth told Yahoo News Australia. "This clam tends to become extremely abundant (sometimes in excess of 10,000 a square metre) and outcompete native mussels. It can alter nutrient cycles, reduce water quality and transform food webs." Booth said during extreme weather events, large numbers die and release toxic amounts of ammonia. "It is on Europe's list of 100 of the worst invaders," she said. "Globally it has cost upwards of $12 billion, with most costs documented in North America." Biodiversity Queensland, a division of the state's Department of Primary Industries, urged both locals and visitors to Brisbane to keep their eyes peeled. "When you're out near waterways in Brisbane, be on the lookout and report freshwater gold clam. Early detection is key to containment and tracking of this pest," it said. "When boating, make sure you come clean and go clean to minimise the biosecurity risk of transferring this invasive species to new areas by: checking wheel arches on trailers, boat propellers, fishing tackle and footwear for river mud and debris." It warned of the importance of keeping boats, trailers, wetsuits, fishing rods and equipment clean, allowing it to dry completely before using them at other locations. Booth urged governments to invest more resources towards the fight against invasive species. "This species was recognised by the federal government as a high priority to keep out of the country — a 'higher risk' invader on Australia's National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases Dataset," Booth said. But, like thousands of other invasive and introduced species across the country, the pest made its way here anyway. According to Booth, the failure to stop the gold freshwater clam from arriving and establishing in Australia is "yet more evidence that environmental biosecurity" across the nation needs "much more investment". Aussies told to hunt for invasive threat 'lurking' in gardens Urgent warning over 'serious garden weed' Major problem in bold plan to eradicate $1.5 billion threat Originally from Asia, freshwater gold clam reproduces by self-fertilisation and can release thousands of juveniles, allowing it to spread aggressively in rivers, lakes and other freshwater systems. It can cause serious infrastructure problems by clogging water pipes, irrigation systems, and hydroelectric facilities. Their ability to form dense colonies can lead to blockages, increasing maintenance costs for water treatment plants and industries that rely on freshwater systems. Yahoo News Australia has sought comment from Queensland's Department of Primary Industries regarding the extent of the infestation in the state. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
