Polyphagous shot-hole borer

The invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer has been wrecking havoc across Western Australia’s landscape for the last several years, following its arrival from Southeast Asia. This sesame seed-sized beetle has been tunnelling into the trunks of WA’s trees, devastating Perth’s already dwindling tree canopy. Today, Monica Main speaks with forest pathologist and executive director at the Harry Butler Institute Treena Burgess and population biologist Ben Phillips about the fight to eradicate the shot-hole borer and the opportunity it presents to restore native landscapes. She also speaks with the WA Tree Recovery Programme project manager Julie Rutherford about local efforts to replace trees and canopy lost due to the shot hole borer. This programme was made possible by support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at cbf.com.au. Listen via iTunes. Listen via podfollow.