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Exotic Ant Detected in Darwin
The war between native and exotic ants continues, with the exotic Yellow Crazy ant recently found for the first time in
Environment Minister Alison Anderson said that while the Yellow Crazy ant was discovered in Arnhem Land several years ago, this is the first time a Yellow Crazy ant has been found in
“The ant was found through the ant collection kits that were distributed in 2008 as part of a NT Government research project, aimed at assessing where exotic ants such as Ginger ants and Yellow Crazy ants are found in the Territory, and what impacts they have,” Minister Anderson said.
“This program was a huge success. The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) receiving 1011 samples from across the Territory as part of the study.
“One of these samples has revealed a small infestation of the Yellow Crazy ant at Berrimah.
“Fortunately, from the information that we have at the moment, the Yellow Crazy ants found in Berrimah have been found early and are in fairly small numbers so it is looking likely we will be able to get rid of them completely.”
Once the extent of the distribution has been determined, NRETAS Wildlife Management Officers will use a combination of products to eradicate Yellow Crazy ants.
These chemicals are proven to have a very small risk to wildlife when used as directed, and in other locations where they have been used, no adverse impact has been found on reptiles, birds, mammals or humans.
Yellow Crazy ants have also been detected in
The ants are a yellow-brownish colour and are approximately 4mm in length, with particularly long legs and antennae. This species has been associated with declines in native invertebrate and vertebrate fauna worldwide, in addition to affecting seed dispersal and nutrient generation.
“Our native ants need to be saved as they play an important role in the natural ecosystem,” Minister Anderson said.
“I encourage everyone in the community to help stop this exotic species by reporting ants that fit the description of a Yellow Crazy ant, or by contacting the Wildlife Management team to obtain a collection kit and undertake baiting around your own home on 8995 5036.”
Footage of the ants found at Berrimah is available by request.
For more information on how to identify exotic ants go to www.nt.gov.au/exoticants
Contact: Shannon McRae 0419 340 735
Related files:
Exotic Ants Berrimah.pdf ( 97.04 kb )
