Wasps released on Fraser Island

WASPS WERE released on Fraser Island on Monday – but fret not, the tiny insects are for biological control purposes only.

INSPECTING THE DAMAGE: Fraser Coast Regional Council's Juliet Musgrave, University of the Sunshine Coast's Joel Fostin (wasp breeder), Fraser Island Defenders Organization's John Sinclair and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services' Linda Behrendorff. Picture: contributed

WASPS WERE released on Fraser Island on Monday morning - but fret not, the tiny insects are for biological control purposes only.

The tiny insects were released near Eurong, at One Tree Rocks and at Lake Wabby to help control Jamella leaf hopper populations, which have devastated the island's native Pandanus trees.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services principal ranger Ross Belcher said the wasp's introduction was the only way to save the trees.

"The distinctive Pandanus are an important feature of the coastal landscape from Rainbow Beach to Coffs Harbour, but the Jamella leaf hoppers have been causing their decline since being accidentally introduced to southern Queensland in the early 1990s," he said.

"We know this little wasp keeps Jamella leaf hoppers in check in the northern part of the state, so hopefully they help contain the problem down here."

Wasp introduced

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