CNMI BTS funding spared from cuts due to high-risk status

The CNMI’s share in federal dollars for the Brown Tree Snake eradication and prevention program has been spared from any cuts following assessment that it is a high-risk site due to its nearness to Guam, which is home to an estimated one million up to 12 million snakes.

“We’re considered a high-risk site due to our close proximity to Guam,” said Nathan Hawley, CNMI-based herpetologist and BTS program coordinator.

He noted that from a low of $30,000 in the early ‘90s, the CNMI now receives some $600,000 a year to prevent the entry of BTS in the Commonwealth.

This comes amid the federal government’s reported move last year to cut the budget for the BTS containment program on Guam.

Hawley said in yesterday’s press briefing at the Governor’s Office that Guam incurs up to $4 million in losses a year due to BTS infestation. This is mainly due to power outages arising from damaged line and supply system caused by BTS.

In Hawaii, overall losses may reach up to $400 million.

“It’s a potential economic disaster. We don’t want that. That’s why it’s very important that we stop them at the border. Otherwise, we’d be in deep trouble,” said Gov. Juan N. Babauta as he lauded the recent construction of a BTS barrier/containment area at the Saipan seaport.

Meantime, Babauta announced yesterday that the Office of the Insular Affairs has granted the CNMI $295,000 in operational funding for the BTS control program.

The funds would be used to allow more inspection of at least 90 percent of all high-risk cargo entering the CNMI’s ports of entry.

Hawley said the local BTS program gets additional funding for tracking, educational awareness, and construction of containment areas.

In previous letters to concerned federal agencies, Babauta said reduced funding on Guam would place the CNMI at greater risks for the dreaded BTS infestation.

Local authorities, led by Department of Fish and Wildlife, said there have been at least 11 BTS caught on Saipan since 1986.

Authorities said that BTS (Boiga irregularis) is an introduced species on Guam after World War II and it has since been responsible for the extinction of numerous bird and lizard species and frequent power outages.

The snakes could reach the CNMI and other places as a stowaway in cargo or aircraft.

The CNMI Emergency BTS Response Team advises the public to kill the snake and call the Snake Hotline (28-SNAKE) immediately if they see one.