Invasive species are a major problem in agriculture and the environment. CABI Caribbean and Latin America has been at the forefront of developing and implementing solutions to tackle the threat of invasive species. This requires work at all levels, from training quarantine officers to making policy makers aware of the ecological and economic importance of invasive species and the policy options available to control them. Through our work, we aim to raise regional awareness of the issue of invasive species, improve cooperative efforts to limit their spread, and conserve globally important biodiversity through regional action.

Some of our recent projects in this area include:

Mitigating the threats of invasive alien species in the insular Caribbean

The Caribbean supports exceptionally diverse ecosystems, which are home to many threatened species. Invasives are a particular threat to the biodiversity of island nations, and continue to be introduced at an alarming rate, mainly as a result of human activity. Now, with the globalisation of travel and trade, native biodiversity is under threat like no other time in its history.

This Global Environment Facility-supported project will build on previous work carried out in the region and will coordinate efforts in the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago in order to develop a Caribbean-wide strategy. More >>

Red palm mite survey

The red palm mite (Raoiella indica) is an invasive alien species which has invaded the entire Caribbean and is spreading to both North and South America. Besides coconut, the pest also sometimes attacks bananas, plantains, and ornamentals such as heliconias and some species of ginger. Economic losses from red palm mite damage are substantial: a 50 – 70 % decline in coconut production has been reported in some areas. In order to combat this pest, CABI staff conducted surveys to determine the prevalence and impact of fungal pathogens on red palm mite populations in Antigua, Dominica, St Kitts/ Nevis and Trinidad.

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Invertebrate survey in Chaguaramas

Becasue we are experts in insects, we were contracted to carry out an invertebrate survey in Chaguaramas - an area in north west Trinidad. The area is chracterized by sandy beaches and surrounded by mountains. The local development agency is keen to develop the area and has put in planning permission to build a golf course. Before this is granted, CABI has been asked to carry out a survey of the proposed development site and its surroundings and to draw up a comprehensive list of the invertebrates present.

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