Wildlands Adventure Zoo in Emmen launched a joint inspection with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority to track down an invasive bark beetle infestation its massive tropical greenhouse.
The 3-millimeter pest, known scientifically as Euwallacea fornicatus, was first discovered in the facility two years ago and threatens to damage trees and plants by boring tunnels and spreading plant pathogens.
European Union regulators list the Asian beetle as an invasive exoot, prompting the zoo and food safety authorities to map every tree inside the 16,000-square-meter glasshouse, NOS Nieuws reported. Teams use bucket lifts, binoculars, and flashlights to comb through the massive enclosure.
“This beetle has a fairly secretive way of life,” said Bas van de Meulengraaf, an insect expert with the NVWA, told RTV Drenthe. “The female flies around looking for a suitable plant to bore a hole in. They carry a fungus with them that they plant in a weakened tree. If the fungus takes hold, they can move on, because that is their food. They are essentially gardeners.”
Mapping 700 trees in the Emmen jungle
Park officials initially expected to inventory between 200 and 300 different plant species inside the 23-meter-high greenhouse, according to Jan-Minze Zomer, manager of animal and park management. Workers instead located 700 trees, excluding palms and banana plants.
Inspectors divide the greenhouse into distinct sections and mark affected greenery with colored ribbons. Officials emphasize that an infested tree does not automatically face destruction.
“It may be that only pruning is required,” Van de Meulengraaf said. “That only a branch or the top part is removed and the rest can remain.”
Researchers analyze data to determine eradication methods
Researchers must analyze the collected data after that date before determining eradication methods and selecting future plant species for the facility.
“If we have the knowledge, we can also share it with other gardens and parks, including within Europe.” Summer said. “It is therefore very exciting that we can contribute to this.”
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