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Invasive CRB possibly found in Kagman
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Posted on Feb 16 2023
The Department of Public Lands and Natural Resources is investigating the possible discovery of the invasive coconut rhinoceros beetle in Kagman.
Acting DLNR secretary Sylvan Igisomar said yesterday that CNMI invasive species coordinator Frank Aldan is still working on it and that he will ask him for more information about the matter. Aldan is currently on Rota.
Igisomar said he cannot deny nor confirm that Aldan’s team was able to collect early this week in Kagman samples of possible larvae from the coconut rhinoceros beetle.
The official said he is not aware if Aldan sent samples of the collected larvae to Guam for further analysis.
The first discovery of CRB in the CNMI was reportedly on Rota in 2017. No discovery of such species was confirmed on Saipan so far.
Sylvan Igisomar
In September 2020, then-Rota mayor Efraim M. Atalig declared a State of Significant Emergency regarding the CRB infestation due to its potential impact on Rota’s agriculture.
Atalig issued the declaration after DLNR team confirmed a tip regarding possible infestation in the Gagani and Talakhaya areas of Rota.
The team spotted by using a drone decaying coconut trees and scissor cuts on the palm leaves.
