Biosecurity and Invasive Pest Alert in the FSM
Press Release #1109-39
Palikir, Pohnpei – FSM Information Services
November 27, 2009
FSM Resources and Development, Quarantine Services
On 3 November 1994 a brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) was found in a cargo box shipped from Guam as it was being unloaded at Dekehtik seaport in Pohnpei. On 25 February 2008, a brown tree snake was found on the deck of a cargo ship as it docked at Weno, Chuuk. The cargo ship came from Guam. These are just two examples of the known brown tree snake transportation events which have occurred. In the past 30 years there have been over 100 documented incidents of brown tree snake sightings or captures around the globe. All of these snakes are thought to have originated on Guam. No one knows how many unreported brown tree snakes have accidentally been transported from Guam.
The brown tree snake is not native to Guam. It was accidentally introduced to Guam from the Admiralty Islands of Papua of New Guinea via a cargo vessel after World War II. The brown tree snake is an invasive pest that has been implicated in the loss of many of Guam’s native birds, lizards, and bats. The snake has also been the cause of large economic impacts on Guam. Extensive management efforts are taken to reduce the likelihood of the spread of these snakes from Guam to other areas, including other Pacific islands. Any cargo ship or plane arriving in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) may accidentally transport an invasive pest, like the brown tree snake.
Brown tree snakes are only one of many non-native pest species which threaten our islands with invasion. Other examples are the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and the Red-vented Bulbul. Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles are established on Guam where they destroy palm and pandanus trees. These beetles could cause significant damage to local crops if they were to arrive in the FSM. The Red-vented Bulbul, a small dark bird with a red rump, has been established in the Hawaiian Islands for many years and is known to cause extensive damage to papaya and orchid crops. The red-vented bulbul recently arrived in Majuro, the Marshall Islands, where it is now established. This invasive bird is now threatens the FSM.
The FSM Department of Resources and Development Quarantine Services is the frontline protection of our islands from invasive pests. Biosecurity measures enacted by the FSM Congress and implemented by FSM Quarantine are essential to keeping our islands safe.
US Department of the Interior biologist, Mr. James Stanford, is currently visiting the FSM to assist efforts by FSM federal and state agencies to increase protective measures at ports of entry. He will assist in holding public outreach events to improve local residents’ knowledge of invasive pests and to discuss actions that residents can take to better protect their islands. Residents are asked to understand that non-native pests like the brown tree snake could be devastating to their islands if they arrive and become established. Therefore, it is important that citizens of the FSM remain alert and if they see a strange plant, animal, or insect, they should report these encounters as soon as possible to their local Agriculture or Quarantine offices. The general public is requested to call any of the following numbers in case of any potential snake sighting or encounters with a strange plant, animal or insect.
FSM Quarantine Services, Palikir: 320-5133
320-2646
FSM Quarantine, Pohnpei Station: 320-4969
Pohnpei State Agriculture 320-2400
FSM Quarantine, Chuuk Station: 330-3720
Chuuk State Agriculture 330-6131
FSM Quarantine, Kosrae Station: 370-2559
Kosrae State Agriculture 370-3017
FSM Quarantine, Yap Station: 350-2182
Yap State Agriculture 350-2182
