Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB)

The Pacific Community’s (SPC) PARC (Pacific Awareness and Response to Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle) experts and a team from Biosecurity Vanuatu team has noted a high rate of Metarhizium infection among the invasive pests caught in traps and artificial breeding sites set up on the two islands. 

The recent surveillance and monitoring activities on both islands found that traps sprayed with metarhizium have successfully infected beetle larvae, which will ultimately reduce the number of the coconut pest.

The alert comes as Vanuatu continues to rebuild after the deadly cyclones.

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle (CRB) damages or kills coconut and oil palm trees, affecting the lives of those who depend on the industries for employment and income, as well as food and building materials.

If the beetle continues to spread, it is estimated the Pacific could lose at least NZ$237 million per annum by 2040 as a result of damage to coconut trees alone.

New Zealand is contributing up to $18 million to support response efforts across the Pacific to reduce Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle populations and limit the spread of the beetle.