By Mike Puia
A new wave of invasive species has reached Rennell Island in Renbel Province.
The organization’s Pacific Secretariat office in Fiji confirmed the new wave of invasive species like the black rat, little fire ant, mikania and lantana have reached east Rennell due to inappropriate development, poor biosecurity and low levels of awareness.
Bird surveys carried out were completed with the results produced by the organization.
The organization found that these species are associated with high levels of impact on biota, gardens and lifestyles.
Concerns around threat posed to East Rennell, being a world heritage site that is now in the endured list, as a result of logging and mining operations that are happening in west Rennell led to the visit by birdlife international.
The survey aimed at understanding the presence of species on the site and on east Rennell and Rennell Island as a whole.
The visiting survey team is working with authorities for the development of risk assessments which will form the basis of a Rennell Biosecurity Action Plan.
The team also conducted a taxonomic assessment on behalf of International Union for Conservation of Nature.
BirdLife International is a global partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds, their habitats and global biodiversity.
The organization, from July to August, team-up with the Lake Tegano World Heritage site association to do the survey.
Regional Programme Coordinator for BirdLife International’s Pacific Secretariat office in Fiji, Miliana Ravuso, said they will return to East Rennell and do consultation with the communities next year.
During which time, Ravuso said they will outline what they propose to do.
BirdLife International looks to organize a Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund mid-term workshop in Honiara around early December.
