Biodiversity Values

Hotsarihie Atoll is a globally significant turtle nesting site and bird rookery. It provides habitat for many critical wildlife populations, including foraging green and hawksbill turtles (Chelonia mydas and Eretmochelys imbricata, respectively) and large nesting populations of brown and red-footed boobies (Sula leucogaster, Sula sula), great and lesser frigatebirds (Fregata minor, Fregata ariel) and several tern species.

The Invasive Species

Singapore ant (Monomorium destructor) (B. Taylor)

Tobi Island and Helen Reef Atoll have been invaded by the Singapore ant (Monomorium destructor), a species that is widely dispersed by human trade. This ant causes extensive economic damage in human settlements by damaging fabric and rubber goods and removing insulation from electric cables. On Tobi Island, the Singapore ant, poses a serious threat to essential infrastructure including telephone cables and solar electricity systems. The resident human population on Tobi Island is reported to have decreased significantly due to disturbance by this ant. Although the effects Singapore ant are having on the fauna and flora of Tobi Island and Hotsarihie Atoll have not been formally quantified, previous invasion history of this ant shows that it displaces most native invertebrates directly through aggression, and as such is a serious threat to biodiversity. It is also probable that this ant is having negative effects on ground-nesting seabirds and/or turtles.

Project Description

A Feasibilty study team made up of Sebastian Marino (director Helen Reef Conservation Project), Wayne Andrew (Senior conservation Officer, Hatehobei State), Alan Olsen ( entomologist, Palau Museum), Dr Joel Miles (Office of Environmental Response and Co-ordination, Palau) and Dr Cas Vanderwoude ( Flybusters AntiAnts, Auckland) met in Palau in September 2006

The objectives of the feasibility study was to:

1. Survey the distribution of Singapore Ants in the State of Hatehobei.

2. Assess the feasibility of eradicating Singapore Ants from the State of Hatehobei.

3. Assess potential impact of eradication.

4. Assess the potential negative effects of the infestation, both in terms of threats to biological diversity and socio-economic impacts.

Training, Palau (Cas Vanderwoude)

Training

During the feasibility study a training programme was initiated to train participants in methods used to select, prepare, calibrate and apply treatment options: and to conduct and record systematic surveillance and monitoring for Singapore Ants.

Training was conducted over three days, September 4-6, 2006 and attended by 20 participants including the Helen Reef conservation officers, officers from the quarantine agency, crew of the Atoll Way, Hatehobei State representatives, Sonsorol State representatives, and Entomologist Balau Museum.

 

Funding

This project is being funded by:

NZAID, New Zealand's International Aid and Development Agency

PII Contact

Dr Souad Boudjelas - (s.boudjelas@auckland.ac.nz)

Please click on the highlighted text for links to relevant information.

Last Updated 15 May 2008