❓ A parliamentary question regarding the status of the dung beetle program in WA, its impact on fly populations, and the minister's perspective on its future. The minister confirms the program concluded in 1994 and sees no need to revisit it due to its success.
AnsweredQoN 1134Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I hope this question is addressed to the correct minister. No-one has told me that it has been redirected. (1) Is the dung beetle program continuing? (2) How many dung beetles have been released in the past 10 years? (3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE
AnswerView source ↗
I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(1) Is the dung beetle program continuing? (2) How many dung beetles have been released in the past 10 years? (3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(2) How many dung beetles have been released in the past 10 years? (3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(1) Is the dung beetle program continuing? (2) How many dung beetles have been released in the past 10 years? (3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(2) How many dung beetles have been released in the past 10 years? (3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(3) Is the minister aware of any reason that the number of bush flies and blowflies is apparently greater this year than in previous years? (4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(4) What does the minister consider to be the future of this program? I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
I think I gave notice of this question last Tuesday. The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
The PRESIDENT: The Leader of the House is obviously very excited by this question. Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
Hon KIM CHANCE replied: I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
I am. This is the sort of question that ministers for agriculture lie awake at night dreaming about. I assure Hon Peter Foss that I am the correct minister and that I have had an answer to this question for some time. (1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(1) No. The program to introduce and release dung beetles in Western Australia was completed in 1994. (2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(2) Between 1991 and 1994 the Department of Agriculture released more than 300 000 dung beetles from 10 different species, including four species of Spanish dung beetle that are better suited to adapt to Western Australian conditions than are other dung beetles. Community and private groups have sporadically released commercially available beetles since that time. (3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(3) Nuisance fly populations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as seasonal weather conditions, the availability of breeding sites and the abundance of predators. The Department of Agriculture is not aware of any factors contributing to apparently higher numbers this year. (4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
(4) Since 1968 the dung beetle program has released 18 species of beetles in Western Australia. Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture shows that many species are well established and widespread throughout the State. Natural spread of the beetles continues to assist in reducing the population of nuisance flies. I do not see any need to revisit the program, given the successful establishment of so many species of beetle.
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