Depa rtment of Natural Resources and Mines
Controlling emerging pest species in the
Torres Strait through integrated pest
management
Project summary
Proponent: Torres Strait Regional Authority
Value: $451,000
Project duration: 1 January 2014 – 30 June 2016
Project description
Emerging pest species are a significant threat to the islands of Torres Strait. The three species that
require timely direct action are:
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cane toads (Rhinella marina) that have recently been found on Thursday Island
wild dogs on Mer Island that are predating on nesting turtles pest fish species, including climbing perch (Anabas testudineus).
1. Cane toads
A recent study (Cane Toad Rapid Population Assessment, November 2013) conducted on
behalf of the Torres Strait Regional Authority confirmed that an isolated population of
approximately 1,000 cane toads exists in an area in and around the water reservoir on
Thursday Island. This is the only known population in the Torres Strait.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority, in partnership with Torres Shire Council, believes it is
imperative to control (and eradicate if possible) this population to ensure this invasive pest
species does not spread to other islands and establish populations. Their spread would have
significant impacts on other sensitive island habitats, such as those found on Hammond,
Prince of Wales and Moa Islands.
2. Wild dogs
Wild dogs are increasingly posing a threat to nesting turtles on Mer Island by mauling and
killing adult females, resulting in a significant reduction in clutches being laid and subsequently
impacting on hatchling numbers. These wild dogs hunt in packs of four or more and are also
impacting on the native lizard population.
Wild dogs will be trapped by the Mer Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Land and Sea
Management Unit rangers and humanely euthanized by a veterinary officer specifically
brought to the island for that purpose.
Queensland
Government
3. Pest fish
Papua New Guinea is a hot spot for exotic fishes that can be introduced to Queensland and
Cape York via the Torres Strait. Many of the most serious pests (i.e. climbing perch,
snakeheads, pacu) are abundant along the southern coast of Papua New Guinea, with several
islands of Torres Strait not far offshore. It is imperative that these exotic species are not
allowed to enter Queensland territory, particularly the pest-free northern catchments.
Pest fish are typically spread by people and public education is the key, both to limiting
spread, and for timely reporting of any new incursions to appropriate authorities. Preventative
measures will include planning to manage these emerging threats and implementing
education programs to promote a substantively greater awareness of pest management and
biosecurity issues in general. Further, the capacity of the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s
Land and Sea Management Unit Rangers to be involved in project activities such as onground control measures, education delivery, aquatic surveys, and routine monitoring, will be
increased.
The training and activities will allow conjunctive delivery of an education and monitoring
program for other terrestrial and aquatic pests that pose a risk to many Torres Strait islands.
This project will have broad significant ecological, social and capacity-building outcomes,
resulting in both short and long term gains.
Project outcomes
Long-term outcomes (5-10 years)
 Invasive species in the Torres Strait are addressed through community-based monitoring and
management, education and capacity building. In addition to this, negotiation of partnerships
and implementation of best practice management arrangements, based on a combination of
contemporary research and customary knowledge and practices, will achieve ecological and
culturally acceptable control.
Intermediate outcomes (3-5 years)
 Torres Strait communities have improved skills, knowledge and capacity to identify, respond and report invasive species in the region, particularly in relation to target species.
 Ongoing partnership and collaboration with the partners (local government, communities,
government agencies).
 Ongoing control / monitoring of cane toads in the region, eradication and monitoring of invasive
fish in the top western Torres Strait Islands, and no impacts of wild dogs on turtles on Mer
Island.
Further information
For further information on the ‘Controlling emerging pest species in the Torres Strait through
integrated pest management’ project, please contact Torres Strait Regional Authority
Controlling emerging pest species in the Torres Strait through integrated pest
management
© State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 2014.