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Department of Climate Change, Energy, Enviroment and Water

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Environment
  3. Invasive species
  4. Introduced insects and other invertebrates in Australia
  5. Tramp or invasive ants

Sidebar first - EN - Invasive species

  • Insects and other invertebrates
    • Invasive bees
    • Tramp ants
      • Red imported fire ant

Tramp or invasive ants

Threat abatement plan

The threat abatement plan for reduction in impacts of tramp ants on biodiversity in Australia and its territories has been superseded by the National Invasive Ant Biosecurity Plan.

  • National Invasive Ant Biosecurity Plan 2018-2028
Red fire ant Photo S Wilson

Red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta)

Tramp ants, or invasive ants, are a diverse group of invasive ant species which have become established widely across the globe. They can arrive in Australia through many transport pathways, and once here can affect ecosystems, social and cultural values, and human health. At least sixteen invasive ant species or genera have national priority for management because of their impact or potential impact on biodiversity, agriculture or society. Management activities to minimise their damage include preventing entry, monitoring high-risk areas, removing new invaders, and dealing with existing incursions.

  • Tramp ants fact sheet

Key threatening processes

Listed key threatening processes for tramp ants (yellow crazy ants and red imported fire ants) under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) are listed below:

  • Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity following invasion by the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Christmas Island, Indian Ocean
  • The reduction in the biodiversity of Australian native fauna and flora due to the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (fire ant)

Tramp or invasive ant species map

The map below shows the distribution of six invasive ant species: red imported fire ant, electric ant, yellow crazy ant, Argentine ant, African big-headed ant and tropical fire ant. Invasive ants are a diverse group of ant species originating from many regions of the world and are highly mobile. Their impacts are high and may be felt directly through predation upon or competition with native animals, or indirectly by modifying habitat structure and altering ecosystem processes.

Click to view Tramp ants map

Tramp ant species (PDF - 3.63 MB)

 

Assessing the effectiveness of tramp ant projects to reduce impacts on biodiversity

  • Assessing the effectiveness of tramp ant projects to reduce impacts on biodiversity

Red imported fire ants

  • Red imported fire ants - Solenopsis invicta
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Last updated: 10 October 2021

© Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.