�Ӱ�ֱ��

Professor Phil Cassey, Director of the Wildlife Crime Research Hub and Environment Institute member, co-authored a paper with fellow Environment Institute members Charlotte Lassaline, Erinn Fagan-Jeffries, and Adam Toomes.��In their latest research, they examined non-native invertebrates and how they pose a serious threat to �Ӱ�ֱ��’s environment, biodiversity, agriculture, and socio-economic wellbeing. The authors stressed the urgent need for strict biosecurity measures to prevent these species from establishing themselves in �Ӱ�ֱ��.

Data Analysis on Border Interceptions
The team analysed data from �Ӱ�ֱ��’s borders between 2016 and 2024. They found that during 2020 (COVID-19), transport activity was at its lowest compared to peak periods in November and February. In 2014, while 2,414 unique species were identified, only 40.5% of intercepted specimens were identified to species level. Results also revealed that Tetranychus was the most frequently transported species.

Unfortunately, across all years, there was no significant decrease in the number of imports. As annual import volumes continue to rise, the findings underscore the urgent need for stronger preventative measures at �Ӱ�ֱ��’s borders. Transport pathways include trade, mail, passenger imports, live wildlife, and even pet smuggling.

Recommendations for Stronger Surveillance
The researchers recommended greater standardisation across surveillance systems, improved taxonomy identification, and more consistent data collection. They also emphasised the need for additional risk assessments to prevent the establishment of non-native species.

Fire Ant Incursion in Queensland
Professor Cassey recently spoke to ABC Radio Queensland about the fire ant incursion in central Queensland. He explained that it was not surprising given the large volume of machinery moving through the region but highlighted the critical importance of surveillance.

“We often lack the ability for interstate surveillance that’s required for biosecurity. We have a very good reputation at the border, but it’s very difficult—through both natural and human-mediated means—to prevent these kinds of incursions,” he said.

The ants were traced back to various mines in regional Queensland. Professor Cassey stressed that soil should not be transported from these areas. He also emphasised that businesses and industries must share responsibility for biosecurity measures, alongside governments and national surveillance programs.

Industry’s Role in Risk Management
Professor Cassey urged industries to take a proactive approach to risk management and highlighted ways they can contribute. These include sharing the costs of surveillance activities and adopting self-monitoring practices.

“Industries need to be self-monitoring themselves. It’s not surprising that the transportations happened—it’s just a shame that it wasn’t picked up prior to the initial movement.”

Preventative measures are essential to stop the spread of invasive species. Fire ants, for example, are destructive, costly, and dangerous. Professor Cassey noted they rank among the top three most costly invasive species in �Ӱ�ֱ��.

When resources are diverted from critical areas, the ability to respond meaningfully to incursions is weakened. He also urged greater awareness among people in transportation zones, emphasising the importance of keeping equipment and materials clean to avoid spreading invasive species.

Rapid Response and Awareness

Professor Cassey commended the rapid detection and response to the recent fire ant incursion, stressing the urgency since fire ants are incredibly toxic. Their venom can accumulate in the body and may cause anaphylactic shock.

Raising awareness and improving education are key. The more people understand the risks, the more they can act as the “eyes and ears” for protecting �Ӱ�ֱ��’s environment.

Further safeguarding �Ӱ�ֱ��’s biosecurity is essential to prevent invasive species from destroying ecosystems and undermining biodiversity.

More Resources:

• Read the full paper here
• What Border Seizures Tell Us About the Transnational Shark Trade
• Professor Phil Cassey on the rising threat of reptile smuggling in �Ӱ�ֱ��