The federal environment department is warning that iconic Australian animals like the koala, platypus, echidnas, and loggerhead turtles could be killed and injured by fire ants.
The alarming news is contained in a submission to an ongoing Australian Senate inquiry into fire ants made by the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
In response, the Invasive Species Council have called on federal environment minister Tanya Plibersek to take an active role in ensuring the success of the fire ant eradication program amid concerns that the current level of funding is insufficient.
‘Australians everywhere will be shocked to hear that iconic native animals like koalas, platypus or echidnas will be on the fire ant menu,’ said Reece Pianta, Advocacy Manager for the Invasive Species Council.
‘Fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species and this government document paints a grim picture of the devastation that will face our wildlife if they are allowed to spread across the country.
‘The submission should be setting off alarm bells within the Albanese Government.
‘With so many threatened species on the menu, it is clear Environment Minister Plibersek must take an active role in ensuring the current fire ant eradication program is successful.
‘In Texas, we know fire ants get into and repeatedly sting the eyes, mouth and nose of cattle and can even kill their calves. The same fate awaits our koalas if they happen to disturb a nest while moving between trees.
‘Defenceless baby platypuses, newly hatched loggerhead turtles and ground nesting birds will also be attacked and eaten by these invaders.
‘The good news is that eradication is still possible if Australia’s governments ensure the funding they provide meets the needs on the ground.
‘However recent infestations in NSW, when combined with increased costs due to inflation, means we do not have confidence the current funding is enough.
‘We are therefore calling on the Albanese Government to trigger an urgent review of the adequacy of fire ant eradication funding before it is too late,’ Mr Pianta said.
-Invasive Species Council
