Argentine ants a threat to K¯apiti Is
Argentine ants have been found at the mainland departure point for tourists to Ka¯piti Island’s nature reserve, posing a threat to the reserve’s native bird sanctuary.
The Department of Conservation has called for a robust quarantine regime after being alerted to the infestation on Monday after a colony of the small, honey-coloured scavengers was found at Paraparaumu Beach, north of Wellington.
One of the most invasive ant species in the world, the super aggressive South American insects can form large super-colonies with huge appetites.
In March, armies of the ants invaded the
Ka¯ piti Coast, killing birds and climbing on people..
Residents of Raumati South hatched a battle plan to wage war on the pests, one of the most invasive ant species in the world.
The suburb was under attack as millions of the ants spilled into houses and cars.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Ka¯piti operations manager Jack Mace said the incursion was close to where Ka¯ piti Island tourism providers leave for the island, increasing concerns the ants could reach the native bird sanctuary.
DOC has support from Ka¯piti Coast District Council and Ka¯piti Boating Club to poison the nest at the mainland visitor departure point, which is on council land and leased to the club.
The department would continue to monitor the immediate area for reinvasion and control would continue if needed, Mace said.
Ka¯ piti Mayor K Gurunathan said the infestation was ‘‘a clarion call for a proper best-practice biosecurity facility at Paraparaumu Beach for visitors heading to the highly valued nature reserve’’.
‘‘For several years we have been repeatedly alerting DOC about the need for such a facility. Current practice of undertaking biosecurity checks on the carpark tarmac at a nearby cafe is not good enough.’’
Gurunathan said the infestation highlighted the continuing ‘‘lack of such a basic protective shield needed for Ka¯piti Island’s high biodiversity values’’.
Mace said letting even one of the ants across to the reserve could be a biosecurity disaster.
The ants threaten native species because they displace and kill native invertebrates, including native ants. They also compete with kiwi and other native birds and lizards for food such as insects, worms and nectar.