Stop Spread of Deadly Fire Ants

Target: Tanya Joan Plibersek, Australia Minister for the Environment and Water

Goal: Regulate transport of materials that propagate spread of invasive fire ant species.

Since first arriving on the continent over two decades ago, fire ants are taking an increasingly destructive toll on Australia’s food supply and its infrastructure. Infestations have cropped up everywhere from offshore islands to military bases. Annually, the damage caused by the invasive species could soon surpass one billion dollars.

The species of ant can also be dangerous to other living beings. Fire ants tend to be more aggressive than other types, and their bites feel like painful, burn-like stings. Attacks can be fatal to smaller animals like lizards, and even humans with a vulnerability can face life-threatening symptoms. Efforts to curtail fire ant populations have often proven unsuccessful because the species is resilient to extreme environments.

One effort in Australia has focused on restricting movements of organic materials that often carry the ants, but enforcement has been lacking. Sign the petition below to call for stricter enforcements that could mitigate an ongoing environmental danger.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Minister Plibersek,

If fire ant populations spread by just a few kilometers annually, the cost to Australia could exceed one billion dollars. New colonies have recently been discovered on the Sunshine Coast, on military bases, and even on offshore islands. While the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has yielded some minor success, an enhanced approach is obviously needed.

Please refocus efforts on preventing the spread of this invasive species by enforcing restrictions on the movement of fire ants’ primary modes of transport: organic materials. Human transportation brought this harmful species to Australia, and human transportation is the primary sponsor of their continued spread. Treat the problem at the source.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: CSIRO