The LIFE BEETLES project, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Change, has been promoting the control of the invasive species Kahili Ginger (Hedychium gardnerianum) on Lagoa Rasa, on the island of Flores.
This highly invasive species has come to dominate the pristine landscapes of the island of Flores, contributing to a decline in the quality of the habitat of the Ironclad Beetle and other species of native fauna and flora.
As part of action C.1 – Improving the quality of habitat for species, the LIFE BEETLES project has already removed around 5 tonnes of Kahili Ginger by hand from a section of Lagoa Rasa. This is a time-consuming and delicate job, designed to have the least possible impact on the existing peatbog. Once the Kahili Ginger has been removed, the outbreaks will be monitored to assess the resurgence of the invasive species and the regenerative capacity of the native vegetation.
