In the Upper Tingalpa Creek Catchment, a tiny champion is making big waves.
The hero jewel beetle is being employed by our team to combat the invasive Cat’s Claw Creeper, a plant that has been wreaking havoc in our local ecosystems.
The Jewel Beetle: Bio-control Solution to Cat’s Claw Creeper
These industrious beetles tackle the creeper by defoliating it, which not only slows the plant’s growth but also puts significant strain on its nutrient-absorbing capabilities. By weakening the creeper, the jewel beetles reduce the impact of the creeper on native vegetation. Impressively, these beetles are capable of surviving through all seasons and can disperse widely, covering up to 100 metres in a year. By substantially weakening Cat’s Claw Creeper, the Jewel Beetle can prevent the creeper from seeding and spreading. Most importantly, the Jewel Beetle does not impact negatively on native flora.
Why Control Cat’s Claw Creeper?
Originally from tropical America and introduced as an ornamental plant, Cat’s Claw Creeper was declared a Weed of National Significance in 2012. Its invasive nature and the severe environmental and economic impacts it causes liken it to the plant version of the cane toad. The creeper quickly smothers native trees, shrubs, and ground covers, leading to their eventual demise. This not only destroys native habitats but also exacerbates erosion and sedimentation in our waterways, significantly affecting water quality.
Free Cat’s Claw Creeper Treatment through Upper Tingalpa Creekcare
Upper Tingalpa Creekcare, a partnership between Seqwater and the Bulimba Creek Catchment Coordinating Committee (B4C), is offering free weed treatment for Cat’s Claw Creeper to residents within the Upper Tingalpa Catchment. This initiative is part of our broader effort to preserve the health of our creeks and tributaries that flow into Leslie Harrison Dam—also known as Tingalpa Reservoir—a crucial source of drinking water for the region.
Join Us in Our Efforts
We are eager to work with local landholders to minimise the risks to our water quality and native ecosystems. By collaborating, we harness the power of community and the ingenuity of natural solutions to restore balance and vitality to our environment. Your involvement and support can make a significant difference.
For more information on how you can participate in this vital project, please contact our team at B4C. Together, we can continue to protect and enhance our natural heritage for generations to come.
