Fire ants

The Red Fire Ant Epidemic in Australia: A Looming Threat to Wildlife

Is the impact of red fire ants worse than rabbits, cane toads, and feral cats combined? Find out now! #FireAnts #InvasiveSpecies #Biosecurity

Australia is facing a $1.2 billion program to eradicate the invasive red fire ants, which has been deemed a 'shambles' due to underinvestment and funding delays, as reported by the Invasive Species Council. The impact of these ants might surpass the devastation caused by rabbits, cane toads, foxes, camels, wild dogs, and feral cats combined, as highlighted in a recent committee hearing.

Experts and authorities stress the urgency for the government to double its funding to effectively combat the fire ant invasion. Dr. Robert Puckett, a US fire ant expert, advocates for a new approach to tackle the fire ant 'cancer,' especially as the species spreads from Southeast Queensland to northern NSW.

Former insiders and leaders in the field have raised concerns about decades of failure in eradicating fire ants in Australia. The ineffective strategies and underfunding have jeopardized the efforts to control this deadly species, posing a significant threat to local wildlife and ecosystems.

The Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis warns that if not controlled, fire ants could cost 'half a COVID' every year to Australia. This staggering estimate underscores the critical need for immediate and robust action to prevent the potentially catastrophic consequences of this super pest.