Beetle Gone South

Somehow, with all the press coverage of the arrival of the Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) in the UK, the news that the same species had arrived in South Africa around the same time came in way under the radar. This excellent article (pdf) in the South Africa Journal of Science indicates that it has been present there since at least 2004. Menawhile, the Cape Times is reporting that the beetle was discovered last week in Cape Town, and appears to be spreading quite rapidly through the country. Researchers are tracking this spread, and anyone seeing a suspected Asian lady beetle in South Africa [now don't be bugging them with reports from the US!] is encouraged to photograph it and contact Riaan Stals by phone (012 304 9560) or e-mail (stalsr AT arc.agric.za).

Update 04/29/08: The Asian lady beetle has now made its first appearance in Australia, though the specimens that were discovered were, thankfully, dead.

Delinquency of a Mynah

This article from the Mail & Guardian discusses the ongoing invasion of South Africa by the Indian mynah bird (Acridotheres tristis). The problem has become so bad that BirdLife South Africa, the nation's ornithological society, is considering poisoning them in an effort to get populations under control. One concern with the plan is that native starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) will become accidental victims - odd to hear as a resident of the US, where starlings are the nasty ones being targeted.

But officer, I LOVE my camphor tree!

In a story that would make residents of Palm Beach County cringe, the peculiarly named Natal Witness is reporting that private landowners in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa are under siege by "plant police." The police are patrolling every inch of the town, in many cases demanding that certain invasive plants be removed from gardens. Citizens, who face fines or jail time if they flout the law, are coming up with various excuses for not removing the plants, including cost, sentiment, and even religion.