Invading Hell on Earth

Timber transported to Antarctica: a potential and undesirable carrier for alien fungi and insects

-           Piotr Osyczka

-           Piotr Mleczko

-          Dariusz Karasin´ ski

-          Andrzej Chlebicki

I’ll be honest, the majority of scientific papers on invasive insects are not exactly riveting reads. However, I found this wee gem after about an hour’s research. It focuses on the possibility of insect (along with other alien species) invasion in Antarctica of all places. I know, I know, you are now thinking; “how on earth can foreign insects invade, establish and be a cause for concern in such a desert wasteland?” I thought this exact same thing, so I decided to investigate further.

The paper begins by describing the harsh environment that we all know Antarctica to be. Isolation and climate are both reasons used to describe the low diversity of insects and other invertebrates. The authors describe how the climate of Antarctica is slowly becoming more favourable to invertebrates. It is also becoming less and less isolated. Increases in human activity are meaning there are greater chances for insect invasion. Freight and cargo are possible vectors for insect introductions, and human activities such as research and tourism means that there are chances for insects to move around.

In my opinion, Antarctica and New Zealand share similarly orientated ecosystems. Both are extremely unique and diverse, have high endemism rates, and have been shaped by years of isolation and varying climates. We have all seen and heard about the impacts invasive species have had on New Zealand’s fragile ecosystems, so I believe that Antarctica should be treated with a similar level of concern.

 The authors of this paper describe how these changes to land use on Antarctica are slowly increasing the biodiversity of a once marginalised environment, and that this does not necessarily bode well for the future. As discussed in the article, one of the main problems concerning invasions is the need to introduce building materials. Obviously wood production on Antarctica is very meager, so all supplies must be brought in from offshore. If the wood is untreated, there is a potential for it to house alien species.

This paper specifically focuses on an inspection of wood destined for Arctowski Station. The shipment of timber was screened, before all insect larvae or adults were filtered out and placed in 70% ethanol. All specimens were identified using appropriate methods, and the results were published. Even in the relatively small shipment of wood, two insect species (along with various fungi species) were discovered.

It was concluded that the niches of insects found within the timber were reliant on a reasonable supply of bark. Because Antarctica lacks any real woody flora, the possibility for invasions by insects of this kind is unlikely. In saying this, the authors mention how important it is to take extreme care when transporting materials to a foreign port. Regions with fragile ecosystems, such as New Zealand and Antarctica, cannot afford the invasion of alien insect species.

I guess a large issue contained within this paper is the idea that increases in human activity and global movements mean there are greater opportunities for insect invasions. One thing I would love to hear you opinion on is whether you think invasions will continue to increase with increasing human traffic, or whether you think our management practices and border security can improve to limit successful invasions by insect species?