Latest news with #InvasiveSpeciesCouncil
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Fears invasive species is spreading as Aussie mates stumble upon 'fairytale' scene
A group of Aussie mates were cycling through a dense forest earlier this month when a fairytale-like scene suddenly appeared in front of them, prompting the mesmerised group to leap off their bikes and take a closer look. Sean Blocksidge and his friends couldn't believe their eyes when they spotted the cluster of three bright red and white mushrooms sprouting from the ground near Margaret River, south of Perth. 'We were all amazed at the size of them. Almost double the size we've seen in the past,' Sean, who snapped photos of his size 14 foot next to the fungi to highlight their size, told Yahoo News. However, a grim truth lurks behind the mushrooms' alluring appearance. 'Despite their fairytale looks, they're a toxic, invasive species,' Sean, the owner and operator of the Margaret River Discovery Company, revealed. Amanita muscaria — better known as the fly agaric — is an introduced fungus that is believed to have come into Australia on the roots of pine plants. The species, which is toxic to people and pets, is commonly found along the country's east coast, Tasmania and in parts of South Australia and southwest Western Australia. While it's made its presence known since arriving in the early 20th century, Dr Carol Booth, policy director for the Invasive Species Council (ISC), told Yahoo amanita muscaria 'has only recently been discovered in WA'. An article published by the state's Department of Environment and Conservation notes an increase in reports of the fly agaric popping up in pine plantations, gardens and parks in 2012. Toxic mushroom species 'more noticeable in recent years' Sean told Yahoo that although the 'invasive mushroom has been around for a while', it 'seems to be more noticeable in recent years'. Amanitas have been sprouting throughout the pine forests around Margaret River, Busselton, Pemberton and Nannup region over the past few weeks, he explained. 'This year is the most prolific and biggest size I've ever seen them,' he said. 'Almost double the size of previous years and most likely a result of some solid winter rain events.' While they are 'beautiful', Sean noted they're not great for native ecosystems — a sentiment shared by Dr Booth. 'That said, they've certainly made themselves at home in WA's introduced pine forests and look quite magical when you do spot them!' However, they are best admired from a 'safe, non-eating distance'. 🍄 Warning against eating 'creepy' growth commonly found in backyards 🌱 Property owners warned over harmful weed 'having a bumper season' 🪴 Aussies urged to dig up invasive plant that becomes 'very difficult to remove' Invasive mushroom can displace native fungi species, experts say Professor Brett Summerell, chief scientist at Botanic Gardens of Sydney, told Yahoo amanita muscaria is considered to be a 'weed mushroom' given it can displace native species of fungi, similar to invasive plants. Booth said the species 'forms mutually beneficial relationships with several exotic tree species', providing them with water and nutrients in exchange for carbohydrates. 'In Australia it has spread into native forests by jumping from exotic hosts to a native tree — the southern beech — and it may also jump to eucalypts, as it has overseas,' she said. 'This raises concerns that it could displace native fungi and alter the availability of nutrients for the trees it colonises.' Summerell said the mushrooms often appear from April through to July and can vary in size. 'I have seen them up to 30cm in diameter. They generally are larger in wetter years,' he explained. Their common name — the fly agaric — arises from the practice of placing the mushrooms, or powdered forms of the mushroom, in milk to attract and kill flies and other insects. 'The mushrooms can be toxic, although there are some who consume them for psychoactive properties, but it can be quite risky. Generally, they are not considered deadly,' Summerell said, adding the species has been 'been used in art and literature from the Renaissance', and is one of the mushroom emojis on your phone. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Fredericton Botanic Gardens hosting invasive species tour
The Fredericton Botanic Gardens is home to thousands of plant and animal species but not all of them are welcome. Mujin Lee is the head gardener at the botanic gardens. He's leading an invasive plants tour and workshop to raise awareness about the damage they cause at the gardens on Tuesday. He said invasive species spread aggressively in new environments and cause ecological damage by outcompeting local plants for resources. 'They do not form as much close relationships with our native organisms throughout their life cycle,' Lee said. 'Which means they provide less food and shelter to those native organisms.' Lee said this affects the entire ecosystem because invasive plants are very good at spreading. 'Some plants can actually deposit up to four years' worth of seeds in a single growing season and they can stay dormant in the soil for many years just waiting for the right environment to germinate.' Lee said the first step in stopping the advance of these species is making sure they don't go to seed by cutting them back after they flower before they form seed heads. For plants with extensive root systems, he said it's important to dig up and remove as much of the plant as possible. Two common invaders in the botanic gardens are Woodland Angelica and the multiflora rose, Lee said. He will be joined by the representatives from the invasive species council on the tour. They will demonstrate how to remove the rose. This the second in a series of guided invasive species tours at the Fredericton Botanic Gardens. The first was held on July 8. The workshop on July 22 begins at 6:30 p.m. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Watch: Invasive super pest found 'chewing' through backyard lawn mower
Australians are being warned their lawnmowers and other garden equipment could be harbouring invasive pests as the threat of fire ants continues to sweep through parts of the country, prompting calls for the federal government to spend more to tackle the spread. The ants pose a catastrophic risk to the environment, and the 'super pests' happily find refuge in gardening devices covered in organic material. This means a long list of tools, such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, and other outdoor appliances can potentially host a new colony. This was the case last week for a resident in Queensland's Scenic Rim region, when their mower was discovered to be crawling with fire ants. Authorities have since urged residents to be vigilant of the risk, warning them to do their bit to avoid the spread of the invasive critter. "Fire ants are great stowaways, and they love to get into organic material in particular... So, grass clippings are an excellent place for fire ants to make a home and then potentially be transported to other locations," Reece Pianta from the Invasive Species Council (ISC) told Yahoo News on Wednesday. Fire ants 'eat almost anything' including electrical wires Fire ants are notorious eaters, and not only do they have the ability to spread rapidly, but they also make the most of food sources once they are established at new sites. "They will have a go to eat almost anything, and that includes coatings on electrical wires, joints, rubber connectors," Pianta explained. "Any mechanical or electrical device, particularly if it's used outside in a garden context, and this extends to motor vehicles as well." 🌱 Crews caught with illegal garden items fined $60,000 amid 'serious' crackdown 🐟 Dad's fight against invasive threat spreading 'everywhere' in our waterways 🐜 Fury as fire ants hit major coalmine Reece is urging all who live in and around the fire ant areas to conduct regular inspections of their garden appliances, as well as their car wheels, to detect any fire ants. Ensuring no organic clippings are left inside devices will help minimise the spread. "Empty out the catcher of your mower," he urged. "Don't leave the clippings in there, and clean it down. It's also good advice to clean things that are being moved from place to place." This advice was echoed by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which urged residents to empty grass clippings from their garden appliances, clean them afterwards and frequently check their property for any fire ant sightings. Fire ant 'explosion' will hinder backyard enjoyment, says shadow agricultural minister David Littleproud, the Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, warned on Thursday the fire ant situation has sadly been allowed to get out of hand. "This is something that I think every Australian should be worried about," he told ABC Radio National, arguing it will prevent homeowners and residents from enjoying their backyards. "These things will render your backyard useless. You won't be able to go out into it until you've treated it," he said. "We actually, tragically had this contained to a very tight geographical area in southeast Queensland" he lamented, but Littleproud argued decisions by the previous state government around housing developments and the movement of dirt allowed the species to spread. "They allowed dirt to be moved from one part of southeast Queensland to the other, and it just exploded," he said. Littleproud is now calling on a federal government commitment of $200 million a year for the next four years to try to eradicate the fire ant populations. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Aussies warned over invasive threat 'chewing' through backyard lawn mowers
Australians are being warned their lawnmowers and other garden equipment could be harbouring invasive pests as the threat of fire ants continues to sweep through parts of the country, prompting calls for the federal government to spend more to tackle the spread. The ants pose a catastrophic risk to the environment, and the 'super pests' happily find refuge in gardening devices covered in organic material. This means a long list of tools, such as lawn mowers, whipper snippers, and other outdoor appliances can potentially host a new colony. This was the case last week for a resident in Queensland's Scenic Rim region, when their mower was discovered to be crawling with fire ants. Authorities have since urged residents to be vigilant of the risk, warning them to do their bit to avoid the spread of the invasive critter. "Fire ants are great stowaways, and they love to get into organic material in particular... So, grass clippings are an excellent place for fire ants to make a home and then potentially be transported to other locations," Reece Pianta from the Invasive Species Council (ISC) told Yahoo News on Wednesday. Fire ants 'eat almost anything' including electrical wires Fire ants are notorious eaters, and not only do they have the ability to spread rapidly, but they also make the most of food sources once they are established at new sites. "They will have a go to eat almost anything, and that includes coatings on electrical wires, joints, rubber connectors," Pianta explained. "Any mechanical or electrical device, particularly if it's used outside in a garden context, and this extends to motor vehicles as well." 🌱 Crews caught with illegal garden items fined $60,000 amid 'serious' crackdown 🐟 Dad's fight against invasive threat spreading 'everywhere' in our waterways 🐜 Fury as fire ants hit major coalmine Reece is urging all who live in and around the fire ant areas to conduct regular inspections of their garden appliances, as well as their car wheels, to detect any fire ants. Ensuring no organic clippings are left inside devices will help minimise the spread. "Empty out the catcher of your mower," he urged. "Don't leave the clippings in there, and clean it down. It's also good advice to clean things that are being moved from place to place." This advice was echoed by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, which urged residents to empty grass clippings from their garden appliances, clean them afterwards and frequently check their property for any fire ant sightings. Fire ant 'explosion' will hinder backyard enjoyment, says shadow agricultural minister David Littleproud, the Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, warned on Thursday the fire ant situation has sadly been allowed to get out of hand. "This is something that I think every Australian should be worried about," he told ABC Radio National, arguing it will prevent homeowners and residents from enjoying their backyards. "These things will render your backyard useless. You won't be able to go out into it until you've treated it," he said. "We actually, tragically had this contained to a very tight geographical area in southeast Queensland" he lamented, but Littleproud argued decisions by the previous state government around housing developments and the movement of dirt allowed the species to spread. "They allowed dirt to be moved from one part of southeast Queensland to the other, and it just exploded," he said. Littleproud is now calling on a federal government commitment of $200 million a year for the next four years to try to eradicate the fire ant populations. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
ABC News
6 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Southern Cross University under fire for giving research funding to conspiracy theorist Trevor Hold
Southern Cross University is providing research funding to a conspiracy theorist who has wrongly claimed fire ant bait causes ADHD, autism, and low fertility in humans. The university has confirmed it has allocated funding to Trevor Hold, an organic cattle farmer, who has spread misinformation about Australia's fire ant treatment program. Mr Hold is an administrator for Stop The Toxic Fire Ant Program, an activist group that incorrectly claims fire ant bait kills birds, bees, cows, and dogs. The national fire ant authority says Mr Hold and other members of the group have harassed their workers and obstructed them from entering properties to treat fire ants. A university spokesperson said the university had allocated $7,500 to Mr Hold for his assistance in field trials and for the use of his "Fire Ant Soup Machine", which involves spraying hot water onto fire ant nests using a machine invented in Florida and licensed in Australia by Mr Hold. Southern Cross University entomologist Nigel Andrew said Mr Hold initiated the research trial into the efficacy of the alternative "chemical-free" treatment. However, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and the Invasive Species Council have described this method as less effective, less reliable, and less affordable than the current treatments. Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta said he was concerned the university was partnering with Mr Hold instead of a reputable institution. "I think it's really important that the community looks for trusted sources for advice on this, and understands the way these things are being applied." Mr Pianta refuted claims by Mr Hold that the Invasive Species Council was being paid off by "pro-chemical places" to promote the fire ant eradication program. Mr Pianta said he was "surprised" that Professor Andrew, a prominent entomologist, was involving himself with Mr Hold. National Fire Ant Eradication Program general manager Marni Manning said Stop The Toxic Fire Ant Program had directed threats and abuse at her workers. Ms Manning said Mr Hold, and others in his group, were spreading "dangerous misinformation" about the safety of their fire ant treatments. She said previous studies on hot water treatments had shown limited effectiveness. "We have extensively explored what is being tested by the university, and we have found the eradication effectiveness to be very low," Ms Manning said. "Often it won't reach the queen, so you may have disturbed or dismantled the nest temporarily, but you have not actually eradicated that nest, and it will come back very quickly." Ms Manning refuted claims by Professor Andrew that they were "killing off pretty much everything" by spraying the insecticide Fipronil onto properties six times per year. She said there was no evidence that the insect growth regulators used in ant bait, pyriproxyfen and S-methoprene, were harming Australian birds, humans, or other mammals. Professor Andrew said he acknowledged there was no evidence that insect growth regulators harmed humans, but he believed "chemicals should be used as a last resort" to treat fire ants. "They feel disenfranchised, they feel there are problems, they've identified what they see as problems, and they need to be listened to." Professor Andrew has appeared in videos with conspiracy theorist Sarah McGuire, who runs the business Fire Ant Treatment Alternatives Page. Ms McGuire told the ABC that Professor Andrew was aware of her views before he agreed to go on camera. Both Ms McGuire and Mr Hold have made money from their activist activities, charging landholders for signs, posters, advocacy fees, and fake legal notices. Both have claimed, without evidence, that fire ant authorities are pushing a chemical-based eradication agenda in order to continue receiving state and federal government funding. Contacted for comment on the university funding, Mr Hold said the ABC was "controlled media" that refused to report on "the truth" because it received federal government funding. "The stories you're making are one-sided and making us out to be a mob of bloody lunatics."
