Fire ants have infested eight military bases, and why this news could be a real disaster for the country

A Defense spokesman said the eight affected conservation sites were now being managed “in accordance with fire ant eradication program guidelines”.

Poisonous or endangered species make Australia famous

Especially famous for all kinds of “beasts”, Australia cannot be without its “dangerous” and diverse fauna. Whether it's the stinging stinger jellyfish, the sharks of Sydney Bay, venomous snakes or the myriad of deadly spiders, Australian animals fascinate humans the most…

Apparently, even ants have an unfortunate reputation. Especially a certain species, fire ant, or Solenopsis invicta. Red in color, this tiny insect no more than six millimeters long can cause a very painful sting to humans.

A small ant with enormous economic and environmental damage

In addition to being invasive, this species can cause harm by eating the eggs of other insects. It also causes huge damage to the agricultural sector. That is why its proliferation is closely monitored. However, these ants have been found at eight conservation sites from Queensland to northeastern Australia, including one at Schwartz Barracks (Oki).

Since April, 128 nests have been destroyed to combat the epidemic. “Fire ants are probably present [Oakey] Over the years, this has represented a massive failure of surveillance in terms of security. Discovery in Oakey to audit Defense Force land in Australia for fire ant infestation”, wrote, worriedly, Andrew Cox, Director General of the Invasive Species Council, to the Defense Minister.

Proliferation with the most serious implications of all insects

The Australian state of Queensland is famous for having the largest military base in the country Guardian. Defense bases affected by the recent proliferation of fire ants include several camps in Victoria, Gallipoli, Damascus and Kokoda, the Vehicle Training Center at Greenbank and the RAAF base at Amberley.

According to a press release by Union Agriculture Minister Murray Watt, these ants were replaced by contaminated grass, not military vehicles. However, for the Australian government, this represents a massive failure of oversight, weakening efforts.used to control their spread“, Abstract International mail.

In March 2024, an inquiry ordered by a Senate committee led by Matt Canavan found that the spread of fire ants in Australian habitats could have a worse impact than “”.Combined effects of rabbits, giant toads, foxes, camels, wild dogs and wild cats”.