Preventative surveillance for high-risk invasive species – Central Queensland case study

Abstract

Preventative surveillance is a pre-emptive and deliberate approach that facilitates the early detection of new incursions of priority invasive plants and animals. This ensures that subsequent responses are more cost-effective and maximises the likelihood of their success. Led by Biosecurity Queensland, this approach has been implemented in Central Queensland where the large land area (571,145 km2 or 31% of the state) combined with diverse climate, habitat, industries, land use and population demographics enable a myriad of new and emerging high-risk invasive species to be potential threats.

Coordinated preventative surveillance activities commenced in Central Queensland in 2020 with a selection of targets, development of surveillance plans, implementation of surveys, facilitation of capacity building and ongoing monitoring and review. This paper provides an overview of the program with specific reference to activities and outcomes for Siam weed, high-risk cacti, spiked pepper, high-risk invasive ants, Asian black spined toads and exotic turtles.

Extensive surveys have been completed, resulting in the detection and extirpation of multiple prohibited cacti sites, and proof of freedom confidence for other targeted highrisk invasive plants and animals. Through the program, there have also been learnings including target species identification and prioritisation, pathway and entry point determination, and adaptation of survey methodologies to the target and environment.