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A new infestation of highly-invasive yellow crazy ants has been detected near Gordonvale, south of Cairns, in an area covering at least 77 hectares.
The ants spit formic acid and have the capacity to blind and kill small native species in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
People and pets can also be blinded and burned.
Considered to be one of the world’s top 100 invasive species, the Wet Tropics Management Authority has been trying to eradicate the ants from Far North Queensland for the past decade.
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Executive Director Scott Buchanan said the latest discovery was made last month during routine surveillance in rugged rainforest.
“This infestation is a significant size and if it remained undetected it had the potential to do a lot of damage to the World Heritage Area,” he said.
“This discovery is an important reminder that while we have made great progress towards reaching our goal of eradication in the region, ongoing surveillance is vital to protect not only the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area but also our local communities and industry.”
The ants have been found close to other known infestations.
In December, a helicopter will be used to treat the area with pesticide.
Eradication Program Senior Technical Officer, Gareth Humphreys said five rounds of treatment will be necessary.
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“We’ve been working with local residents to gain access via their properties, and we are grateful for the support and assistance that local residents have provided,” he said.
“Survey results so far indicate the infestation size to be approximately 77 hectares.
“Based on the size and location of the infestation, it appears to be linked to the known infestations close by.”
Once treated, ongoing surveillance for several years will be required to ensure the ants have been completely eradicated.
Joint state and federal government funding of $6-million for the program ran out at the end of the financial year.
Before losing the federal election, the Coalition included an extension of $3-million in its 2022/23 budget.
This was followed up with the Queensland Government committing $18-million over six years for both Cairns and Townsville eradication programs in its most recent budget, with the funding held until the Australian Government matches that amount.
Federal Labor - now in government - has pledged $24.8-million towards control programs around both Cairns and Townsville, however confirmation of that promise is still pending.
Main points
- Yellow crazy ants have been detected in a new area of Wet Tropics rainforest
- The infestation is estimated to cover 77 hectares west of Gordonvale
- Treatment will begin in December
