Report to the Government of Niue and the United Nations Development Programme: Invasive Plant species on Niue following Cyclone Heta

Abstract

On January 6, 2004, the full force of Cyclone Heta, a category 5 cyclone, hit the island of Niue. In addition to the loss of life and property, serious damage was done to the forests and other ecosystems of the island, particularly on the north and west sides. If not blown over, most trees and other large vegetation were stripped of leaves and branches and subjected to salt spray. This sort of disturbance provides an opportunity for new invasive species to become established and for many species already present to flourish. Following the cyclone, personnel from the Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Zealand and other countries visited the island to provide aid and assistance, and equipment and material were brought in to aid m the recovery. Although quarantine procedures were maintained there is always the possibility of inadvertently introducing new plant species during an emergency such as this. During the cleanup process nibble was moved and dumped in new areas, transferring invasive species to new locations.