Argentine Ant- Facts
Environmental DNA (eDNA) of Argentine Ant was successfully detected by researchers. It was detected in surface soil samples collected from Kobe Port Island and Kyoto’s Fushimi District.
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What are the concerns?
ü Both the areas have
faced huge destruction caused by this invasive species called Argentine Ant.
ü Invasive ant species
causing severe damage across the world. So, its early detection and rapid
elimination is essential to control their populations.
ü However, current pest
control methods in inefficient. Methods includes direct detection techniques
like visual observation, classification, capture, elimination, observation and
evaluation which requires special knowledge, labour and time.
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What researchers suggests?
ü Researchers
suggests, issue of Argentine ant cannot be eradicated by focusing on one
species. They found, eDNA analysis effective in providing a useful tool to
observe and evaluate invasion, establishment and proliferation of these ant
species.
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Argentine ant
ü The ant is native
to northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and southern Brazil. It is an
invasive species, established across many Mediterranean climate areas. It has
been introduced by humans to places like Japan, South Africa, New Zealand,
Australia, Easter Island, Hawaii, Europe and United States. Worker ants are
1.6–2.8 millimetres long. Thus, can squeeze through cracks and holes of 1
millimetre easily. This ant species is counted among 100 worst animal invaders
of the world.