Mobile applications to support stakeholder surveillance of exotic forest and environment pests

Australia has a robust plant biosecurity system designed to protect plant production systems, including forestry. Australia’s forests make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy, environment and community. However, increasing levels of trade, movement of people and commodities as well as climate change are all contributing to an upward trend in the number of exotic forest pests establishing in Australia. New pests result in significant economic, environmental and amenity costs. Consequently, nationally coordinated surveillance programs, supported by an effective diagnostic network are needed to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of detection of exotic forest pests, mitigate the risk of exotic forest pests establishing in Australia and provide evidence to support claims of area freedom. This project is designed to address this. MyPestGuide Reporter is a pest monitoring and surveillance App that enables people to report a pest or suspected exotic pest. The information is received by experts who identify the pest, reply to the device and map it online. My PestGuideTREES/Reporter is being developed specifically for the Australian forestry industry.