Invasive rubber vine from Madagascar spreads across Northern Territory and Queensland
What happened
The rubber vine, native to southwestern Madagascar, began its Australian presence as a garden ornamental. It has since become a troublesome weed and has been confirmed spreading across Queensland and the Northern Territory. The vine was first planted in northern Queensland mining towns in the 1860s.
From indiatimes.com
Why it matters
The vine can grow up to 30 metres and smother native vegetation. It poses risks to livestock and people, making cattle mustering difficult and reducing food and shelter for native animals. Its spread affects land management across the regions.
The event is part of the discovery of introduced species originating from Madagascar found in Australia.
From indiatimes.com
Who's involved
- MadagascarNative origin of the rubber vine
- QueenslandState where the invasive vine is spreading
- Northern TerritoryFederal territory where the invasive vine is spreading
- BundabergCity in Queensland where the vine has been confirmed
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Northern TerritorySpeculative
Might face increased costs for land management and agriculture due to the invasive species.
- QueenslandSpeculative
Could face increased costs for land management and agriculture across the state.
- Queensland GovernmentSpeculative
May incur higher regulatory and control costs for invasive species management.
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The entities involved
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Madagascar
island sovereign state off the coast of Southeast Africa, in the Indian Ocean
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Queensland
state of Australia
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Northern Territory
federal territory of Australia