Time to Strike with the Mighty Mite

Aussie Ark broadens eradication of noxious Scotch Broom using ‘ecological miracle’ English gall mite as it awakens in warming weather

Aussie Ark is building on the success of its nation-leading Scotch Broom eradication program, expanding the use of the English gall mite into the Yindi Wildlife Reserve as warmer spring weather activates the microscopic species.

Working alongside Scone Landcare NSW in 2016, Aussie Ark released the English gall mite throughout Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary with remarkable results. In winter this year, the organisation announced the complete eradication of the invasive weed from its Sanctuary area.

The gall mite lies dormant during the colder months, then reactivates in spring. Aussie Ark teams are seizing this window of opportunity to spread the biological control into the neighbouring Yindi Wildlife Reserve, which supports native wildlife and forms an important buffer to the Barrington Tops.

Scotch Broom, first introduced to the Barrington Tops more than a century ago as an ornamental plant, has spread aggressively across farmland, national park and native forest. Dense thickets choke out native understorey plants, removing food and shelter for wildlife and hindering land management. Until recently, traditional methods like herbicides and physical removal offered little hope of controlling the weed.

Aussie Ark Operations Manager Dean Reid said the introduction of the gall mite has been transformational. “For decades, there seemed to be no hope of ever getting rid of Scotch Broom,” Mr Reid said. “The gall mite has changed all that. These microscopic insects are environmental heroes. Their success is changing the landscape, and we are excited to see that continue at Yindi.”

The mite works by forming small, round growths known as galls on Scotch Broom stems. These sap the plant’s nutrients, ultimately reducing strong plants to dry sticks within weeks. Teams are now relocating mite-covered branches from Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary into Yindi to establish the same impact there.

It is hands-on and time-intensive work, though a significant next step in restoring the health of the region’s natural ecosystems. “This is about giving native wildlife their habitat back and protecting the ecological integrity of the entire Barrington Tops precinct,” Mr Reid said.

Aussie Ark is committed to expanding the program further and continuing its mission of protecting and restoring Australia’s natural environment.