New research is targeting the pest species that cause environmental degradation in Australia, including weeds, mammals and invertebrates.

In partnership with the community and industry, we undertake world-class research into the evolution and ecology of invasive species and the molecular biology and physiology of insects.

In recently unravelling the genome of the pea aphid, an international consortium of researchers has taken a major step towards understanding how to better control that bane of farmers and gardeners around the world.

African Big Headed, Yellow Crazy, Tropical Fire and Singapore ants are only small foot soldiers, but vast colonies of these invasive insects are wreaking havoc throughout northern Australia - causing major environmental, economical and social damage.

Our research aims to better understand the ecological processes and organisms that support agriculture and native vegetation. The work is important to their management as ecologically sustainable systems.

CSIRO is developing biological control techniques for the management of some of Australia’s main insect pests. This will help reduce the amount of pesticide used and provide control at a landscape level.

Invasive plants and animals (including invertebrates) are now the second biggest threat to national biodiversity after habitat loss

CSIRO has a history of biological control successes and our scientists are using their expertise to find more natural enemies of introduced weeds and insect pests.

This 39-minute video captures a seminar given by CSIRO's Biodiversity Research Director, Dr Mark Lonsdale as part of the United Nations’ International Day for Biological Diversity 2009. Watch the video below, or download the accompanying PowerPoint slides. (51 pages)

A video showing flying foxes heading out for an evening feed at Atherton in Far North Queensland. (0:45)

Dr Alan Andersen is a Chief Research Scientist with CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems in Darwin, where he studies ant community ecology, the use of ants and other invertebrates as indicators of ecosystem health, and fire ecology and management in tropical savannas.

Dr Jonathan Anderson is investigating the interactions of plants with fungal diseases and insect pests.

This document includes the presentation from forum one of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia, held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australia Capital Territory. (134 pages)

This document includes the presentation from forum two of the Biosecurity in the new bioeconomy: threats and opportunities symposia, held 18-21 November 2009 in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. (33 pages)

Research on stored product insects has improved application techniques for fumigants, insecticides, controlled atmospheres and inert dusts.

The CSIRO Entomology PhD program offers university students an opportunity to conduct research with leaders in science.