Prickly pears, invasive insects and a battle Cyprus may not win

Changes in Cyprus’ landscape often happen gradually. A plant that once appeared healthy begins to weaken. A familiar patch of countryside looks slightly different from one year to the next. By the time the damage becomes obvious, the process behind it is often well advanced.

One of the clearest examples is the spread of the prickly pear cochineal, Dactylopius opuntiae, an invasive insect that feeds on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia species) and has steadily expanded its presence across Cyprus...