Australia's nature is under threat from one of the world's most invasive species – the red fire ant. The tiny ant comes from South America, but has spread worldwide. It causes huge damage to plants and kills native insects and animals, including livestock. The ant's venomous sting can cause allergic reactions in humans. It can be deadly. The government called the ants a "super-pest" which causes serious environmental harm.
Red fire ants have been in Australia since 2001. Australia's Invasive Species Council (ISC) says the ants are spreading because of recent floods. The ISC said: "Fire ants are more active before or after rainfall and can form large floating rafts, which move with water currents to establish footholds in new areas." It warned that the ants will reach "every corner of Australia" if the current outbreak is not controlled.
Try the same news story at these levels:
Fire Ants - Level 5 or Fire Ants - Level 6
Sources- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-68002401
- https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/17/australia/fire-ants-forming-rafts-to-cross-australia-flood-waters-intl-scli-scn-climate/index.html
- https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/floating-rafts-of-deadly-fire-ants-pose-growing-threat-to-nsw-20240116-p5exnf.html
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