Pitcairn Invasives
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Pitcairn Islands
A large number of species have been introduced, many intentionally. A number of species have become widespread and troublesome and include animal (e.g. rats, mice, wasps, fruit flies) and plant (e.g. Lantana camara, Sorghum sudanense) species (Binggeli 1997, Binggeli & Starmer 1997). The number of introductions has increased steadily, and the problems associated with these species have only become acute over the past five decades. The pace of introductions does not appear to have decreased in recent years despite a growing awareness of the problems caused by introduced species. As far as introduced plant species are concerned the threats to native biodiversity is mainly posed by the widespread species (e.g. Lantana camara, Canna indica, etc.) or as yet poorly dispersed species (e.g. Crinum sp., Carpobrotus edulis, Leucaena leucocephala, etc.). Most of these species are not considered by Pitcairners to be a problem in agricultural areas. The islanders are more concerned with typical agricultural weeds and the spread of Syzygium jambos. An attempt to eradicate rats and cats was made in 1997 but failed. This has resulted in a greater rat population and the islanders are struggling more than ever before to grow crops (see report).
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 Introduced species used by the islanders in an attempt to control erosion at St Pauls. Foreground: Carpobrotus edulis, a major environmental weed, and Crinum sp. |
