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Tiny Invasive Beetle Threatens Trees Across South Africa
Researchers estimate the beetle could cost South Africa 275 billion rand over a decade as officials remove infected trees to slow its spread.
Summary by Ground News
A sesame-seed-sized invasive beetle is spreading across South Africa, attacking hundreds of tree species and introducing a fungus that can kill infected trees. Scientists are struggling to contain the polyphagous shot-hole borer, which has already caused widespread tree losses and could pose significant ecological and economic risks as it continues to spread.