Impact of Yellow Crazy Ant (YCA) on biodiversity

Publication Date

Mon, 26 Oct 2015, 02:39

Last Updated

Oct. 26, 2015, 2:47 a.m.

Report Number

TUV-03/4

Country

Tuvalu

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Environmental pest

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Present: only in some areas

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Three islands had reported the impact of the YCA which is Nukulaelae, Nanumea and Nui. The entry pathway into Tuvalu is unknown, but was possibly in a shipping container from other country in the Pacific.

Summary

The YCA is becoming a major problem nowadays due to change in climate and humidity. Some of the outer islands council have been reported that YCA would become a major pest. Most of the land crabs and coconut crabs were being severely damage by this crazy ant and perhaps affecting local food consumption for the local. The survey has been done by the department with the assistant of the Entomologist from the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) on the island of Nukulaelae, in order to provide clear evidence and proved to the public that problem caused by that crazy ant. After the delimiting survey, some approaches were given to the public to control by doing of cultural control such as cleaning up of bushes and burning of rubbish around that areas. Public awareness, community outreach approach is crucial in the community in order to control the spread of ants to other islet and also the movement of de-husking coconut or other planting materials from the infected islet to the other. The continuation of the program is in the department consideration in order to carry out the eradication but due to the limited of funds, therefore, the department is still seeking funding support from overseas donors. NZ was approached earlier this year to assist with funds through the NZ Embassy in Suva but unfortunately could not in this regard. The Department is now to refer the matter to SPREP for consideration and support.

Danger

While this crazy ant becomes a serious problem to our local biodiversity, therefore we need each and every one to be participated and work together for the safe movement of goods from one island to another.

Contact for info

Senior Plant Protection & Quarantine, Department of Agriculture, Funafuti, Tuvalu

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