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Beetle breeding traps deployed on Rota
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- Department of Lands and Natural Resources staffers and Quarantine personnel inspect a fallen coconut tree for coconut rhinoceros beetle larvae. Inset shows Rota forester James Manglona holding up a larva found within the decaying coconut tree. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Over 14 coconut rhinoceros beetle breeding traps have been deployed on Rota and that an islandwide assessment with the CNMI Forestry team is ongoing, according to James Manglona of the CNMI Forestry-Rota office.
Manglona recently informed acting Lands and Natural Resources secretary Augustin Kaipat that containment efforts on Rota are ongoing with 14 breeding traps 100 feet apart, secured with pheromone lure and gill nets.
“More traps are expected to be deployed throughout the coming weeks,” he said.
The beetles were first discovered last Thursday at the Tweksberry Beach Park, southwest of the West Marina on Rota.
He said the surrounding areas need to be sanitized.
A CNMI Forestry-Rota office crew is currently piling compost, mulch, and green waste within 100 to 200 feet around the infested site for incineration.
According to Kaipat, one adult beetle has already been caught by a trap on Monday and two on Tuesday.
“Over 20 adults have been collected so far and about a gallon of larvae have been removed. DLNR crew is currently conducting islandwide assessment to determine range beyond the breeding grounds.
“We are alerting the general public about this destructive pest and more developments will be forthcoming,” Kaipat said.
He said that DLNR has initiated increased quarantine protocols at the airport to inspect all cargo and luggage going out of Rota.
To report a sighting, call CNMI Forestry at 256-3321 or DLNR at 322-9834. (PR)
