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In a concerning development, a nest of tiny red ants, recognized globally as one of the most damaging invasive species, was recently discovered in a clearing within Lamington National Park. The Invasive Species Council has since confirmed that the nest has been eradicated.
Originally hailing from South America, these ants pose a significant threat to both agriculture and native wildlife. They first made their appearance in Australia in Brisbane back in 2001 and have thus far been confined to the south-east region of Queensland.
Reece Pianta, the advocacy director of the Invasive Species Council, expressed grave concern over this recent find. “The presence of a nest in one of the world’s most ancient and picturesque rainforests is truly alarming,” Pianta remarked.
The new discovery is deeply concerning, Invasive Species Council advocacy director Reece Pianta said.
“To find a nest inside one of the world’s most ancient and beautiful rainforests is alarming,” Pianta said.
“These places should be beyond the reach of invasive species.
“Rainforest is an unusual habitat for fire ants, which shows just how adaptable and dangerous they are and why every part of Australia is at risk of fire ant infestation.
“The program’s rapid response meant the nest was found and destroyed before it could spread. That’s exactly how eradication is supposed to work. The park is protected because the system responded fast.
Pianta said funding delays could impair the next phase of fire ant eradication.
”Every successful response protects irreplaceable natural heritage,” Pianta said.
“But eradication only works if teams can move fast and have the resources they need.”
The federal government’s National Fire Ant Eradication Program aims to eradicate fire ants from Australia by 2032 at an estimated cost of between $200 and $300 million per year.
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