This boring behavior can be fatal to the tree if the meristematic tissue (i.e., where growth takes place) is jeopardized. Adult beetles chew down into the folded, emerging fronds of coconut palm trees to feed on sap (Ridgell 2011). Discovered in the Tumon Bay area in September of 2007, these organisms are notorious for their ability to decimate coconut palms. Guam’s biodiversity has been under siege for quite some time.Ĭurrently, one of the biggest threats facing Guam’s native ecosystems is the invasion of the coconut rhinoceros beetle ( Oryctes rhinoceros). Several frog species from Central America also have been detected that could pose a threat to crops.
COCONUT RHINOCEROS BEETLE SKIN
Regrettably, the toads didn’t have their desired effect, as they spread to other areas and poisoned native predators with the toxin covering their skin (Fritts and Rodda 1998).
Around the same time, Cane toads ( Bufo marinus) were introduced to control sugarcane pests. cargo ship, and have since caused the extinction of 10 of the 13 native bird species. During World War II the brown tree snake ( Boiga irregularis) was unintentionally introduced while aboard a U.S. Guam has a less than pleasant history with introduced organisms. Accordingly, the prevention and management of invasive species is a top priority for many geographically isolated ecosystems, including the Island of Guam. These so-called ‘alien’ and ‘introduced’ species can quickly become invasive if environmental conditions are favorable (e.g., predators absent, nutrients abundant, etc.). Unfortunately, these areas are often ill prepared to combat non-native intruders, which, in many cases, can easily prey upon and out-compete their neighbors. Marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Indo-West Pacific are among the most biologically diverse regions in the world.
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