Challenging The Yellow Crazy Ant (Anoplolepis Gracilipes) On Tokelau: An Education & Awareness Programme

Tokelau

Tokelau is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of land area. It is located 483 kms north of Samoa in the Pacific Ocean, and consists of three low-lying coral atolls: Fakaofo, Nukunonu and Atafu. These low-lying atolls, containing many motu (islets) combine to a total land area of about 10 km². Nukunonu and Fakaofo atolls are suffering from the effects of the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes).

Children studying yellow crazy ants at a YCA school day on Fakaofo, 2006 (Kirsty Abbott)

The Council for the Ongoing Government of Tokelau nominated the population explosion of the yellow crazy ant as a major environmental threat to biodiversity and people, with a high priority for action.

The Invasive Species

The yellow crazy ant (YCA) is widespread on Pacific islands, forming high density supercolonies that badly affect other ant and insect species, land crabs, food crops, and the outdoor Polynesian lifestyle. In Tokelau, on Fenua Fala (Fakaofo Atoll), and Nukunonu and Motuhaga islands (Nukunonu Atoll), ants are constantly in houses, running over food, babies and sleeping people. Ants also swarm over fresh and dried fish, and are especially a nuisance when drying and salting fish, which is common practice in Tokelau. Furthermore, YCAs spray formic acid which can burn the skin and cause severe eye irritation. The Polynesian lifestyle on Tokelau is very much centered on sitting, eating, sleeping, weaving and conducting other activities on the ground. The persistence of YCAs will threaten that very lifestyle forever if they are not controlled.

Ant team travelling to Fenua Fale for awareness programme (Bill Nagle)

Project Description

Scientists from Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) have been researching the yellow crazy ant (YCA). This research includes studying the ecology of the ants, their effects on biodiversity and communities and best possible control methods. The research has been carried out over the past two years. VUW are currently undertaking a project to implement the most appropriate tools for YCA control on Nukunonu and Fakaofo Atolls. Part of this is the PII-supported Demonstration Project which is focused on implementing an education, awareness and training programme to engage Tokelauans in YCA management. The Taupulega (Council of Elders) on both Nukunonu and Fakaofo Atolls have given their full support to this project. It is only through their support that the project can progress.

Reports

Please click on this link 'Challenging the yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) on Tokelau' to view a copy of the awareness and training programme April to June 2006 report.

Funding

This project is being funded by Regional Natural Heritage Programme (RNHP) through the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).

PII Contact

Bill Nagle - (w.nagle@auckland.ac.nz)

Please click on underlined text for links to relevant information.

Last updated 15 May 2008