Eradication program fights invasive ant species in Kakadu

Rangers will be begin an eradication program to prevent the spread of African Big Headed Ants in the region.

Park Rangers will begin an African Big Headed Ant eradication program in Jabiru this month to stop the potential spread of the highly invasive ant in the region.
Having recently returned to Jabiru, the ants have the potential to spread into native bushland and to other communities in West Arnhem.
The species first arrived in Jabiru in 2001, and despite several control attempts, the ants are still present and pose a threat to Kakadu’s biodiversity.
As one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species, they drive out native ants and other native invertebrates, which then affect native plants, birds and reptiles.
The ants are not dangerous to humans however they can damage electrical wiring, get into your food, and cause a mess in the home.
Residents can assist Park Rangers by keeping an eye out for the species which are small, dark brown ants about 2–3mm long. About one in every 50 ants is a bit bigger (4-5mm) and has a very large head.
They are most likely to be found in pot plants, footpaths, gardens, and along the edges of buildings – but they could also be found inside your home, and will spread into native bush if not controlled. Their nests usually look like a series of messy diggings in the soil.
Common in the Darwin area, they can spread through soil, pot plants or dirty vehicles. Residents are reminded to avoid bringing pot plants in to Kakadu National Park, and to remove soil from dirty vehicles before coming in to the Park, especially from the Darwin region.
Kakadu National Park Invasive Species Program Manager Anthony Mann said he encourages anyone in the community to get involved in the program.
“Ants are the champions of our ecosystems – they aerate the soil, disperse seeds, recycle nutrients, and provide a food source for native birds, reptiles and other animals. So it’s really important to have healthy populations of native ants. African Big Headed Ants are bad news because they get rid of our native ants, and this could have flow on effects for our ecosystems,” he said.
“We’d really like everyone in the community to keep their eyes out for these ants. The more eyes we have looking out for them, the more chance we have of tracking them down and getting rid of them.”
“I encourage anyone from the community to get involved in this program, and search for African Big Headed Ants around your house and yard. Just place a teaspoon of tuna on your lawn and check it 5 minutes later.. and you’ll soon know if you’ve got these ants.”
If you think you’ve seen any signs of these ants, please contact Kakadu National Park immediately. If you’d like more information or are interested in helping out, please contact
Parks on 8938 1100.