Tiny Beetle sparks concern for Australia’s ecosystem
Western Australia have been fighting hard against the Shot-Hole Borer beetle since its first appearance in 2021, with state and federal government pledging $41 million to eliminate the invasive pest.
But last month, the WA government surrendered eradication efforts for management and control strategies, a move environmental experts fear could see the beetle spread to neighbouring states.
With elimination off the table – researchers say new and coordinated efforts are needed to better understand and manage the pest.
Image: Flickr – Trish Gussler – CC 2.0
Produced By: Sam Georgiou
Featured In Story: Dr Carol Booth – Policy Director Invasive Species Council, and Theodore Evans Associate Professor of Applied Entomology at the University of Western Australia
First aired on The Wire, Thursday 31 July 2025
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