Dung beetles approved for release in New Zealand

03 February 2011
Media release

Dung beetles approved for release in New Zealand

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved the import and release of 11 species of dung beetle to manage livestock dung in New Zealand pastures.

The application to import and release the beetles was made by the Dung Beetle Release Strategy Group – comprising farmers, interest groups and the MAF Sustainability Farming Fund. Scientific support was provided by Landcare Research.

Dung beetles process dung by burying it, then using it as a food source and breeding site.

In making its decision, the Authority found that the benefits, including improved water retention in soil, improved earthworm activity, improved water quality, reduction in parasites and increased farm productivity, outweighed the potential risks.

Authority decision-making chair Dr Max Suckling said the beetles would require biosecurity clearance before they were released in New Zealand. The Authority would also have to be notified at least one month before the release.

To read the full decision, go to: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/find/WebResults.aspx?search=erma200599&submit.x=34&submit.y=15

ENDS

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