An Australian wasp is on its way to fight off an invasive plant plaguing New Zealand dunes and wetlands. But don't worry, experts say the wasp does not sting or bite.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the import and release of an Australian wasp to control the spread of an invasive wattle after it was proved as a highly specific and sustainable tool in controlling the plant in Sydney.
The wasp, which is only a few millimetres long, does not sting or bite and there is no risk to human health, EPA said.
"These wasps are quite docile and are only active for a few weeks a year. They prefer to remain near the host plant, further reducing any possible risk to our native plants and animals," general manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Dr Chris Hill said.
They control the spread of wattle by laying their eggs in flower buds, which induces abnormal growths (galls) that prevent flowers from forming and seed production.
The plant was introduced in New Zealand in the late 19th century and has spread broadly in the North Island, significantly reducing biodiversity in two of Aotearoa New Zealand's most threatened environments: dunes and wetlands.
The wattle has had a similar negative impact on biodiversity in countries around the world as it forms dense thickets that increase fire hazards in areas it invades, EPA said.
"Risk assessments we carried out found that introducing this wasp as a biocontrol agent will help reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides to combat the Sydney golden wattle, in the long term, and allow native plant species to return," Dr Hill said.
"This will in turn reduce fire hazards, increase water availability and attract native animals."
Horizons Regional Council in the Manawatū-Whanganui region applied to import and release the bud-galling wasp on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, a group of regional and district councils and the Department of Conservation (DoC). The EPA publicly consulted on this application and received 49 submissions, with 31 submissions in support, 16 opposed, and two neutral.
