Volunteers monitoring tramp ants in the Wet Tropics

Surveillance and detection of electric ants and yellow crazy ants has gained ground in the Far North thanks to the joint efforts of volunteers and government agencies.

The Wet Tropics Management Authority, Conservation Volunteers and Biosecurity Queensland are collaborating to identify and map the extent of tramp ant infestation along the World Heritage boundary in the Cairns and Mission Beach area.

Electric ants and yellow crazy ants are listed among the world's 100 most invasive species. They, and several other species of invasive ants, are collectively known as tramp ants because of their tendency to hitch a ride with people.

After surveying over 20 km of World Heritage Area boundary and submitting almost 600 suspect ant samples for analysis, it is confirmed that no new infestations of electric ants have been found in the Cairns or Mission Beach areas.

Read the media release

Download the map of yellow crazy ant detection in Cairns

Learn more about the Stamp Out Tramp Ants project

Published: 01st Mar 2013