Author
Corin F Pratt
c.pratt@cabi.org
CABI
Ascot
Coauthors
Norbert Maczey, CABI, Ascot, UK
Chrisna Visser, Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate Georgetown, Ascension
Tiffany Simpson, Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate, Georgetown, Ascension
Abstract
Ascension Island is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It boasts a unique range of habitats, from arid lava fields and sandy beaches to verdant, man-made cloud forest at its peak. The island supports a diverse array of endemic plant species, which makes it an important site for conservation. Described as arid and treeless when established as a British military base in the early 1800s, subsequent planting of species from botanical gardens in Europe, South America and South Africa have significantly changed its unique ecosystem and several introduced species have become highly invasive. Amongst the most invasive is Neltuma juliflora (Fabaceae), which now dominates the lava fields, outcompeting endemic plants, threatening turtle and seabird nesting sites, and altering ecosystem structure and function. Previous biocontrol releases against this plant provided limited control, with spread ongoing. Under the Darwin Plus scheme, CABI in collaboration with the Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) assessed the feasibility of introducing an additional biocontrol agent, Evippe sp. #1 (Gelechiidae), a leaf-tying moth native to South America. Following specificity testing and consultation, the moth was approved for release, with first introductions made across the island in 2024. Establishment and impacts to date will be described, along with reviews undertaken to prioritise additional invasive species for classical biocontrol.
Keywords
Neltuma juliflora
Evippe sp. #1
Ascension Island
Biocontrol feasibility studies
Highlights
Addressing priority weed targets in a highly invaded isolated island system
Establishment of a highly seasonal control agent under tropical conditions