Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
resurgent in some areas treated during the aerial campaign, and new supercolonies
had formed elsewhere (Fig. 11.3). Island managers have had to battle over many
years to secure su cient resources to sustain the gains of 2002, despite the fact that
the ongoing nature of the problem, and the downturn in support, were both fore-
seeable (O'Dowd and Green 2002).
Second, the Christmas Island experience has had much broader, knock-on eff ects.
It has directly infl uenced management of the YCA in the Northern Territory and
Queensland in mainland Australia, and eff orts to eradicate or control this ant on
Pacifi c islands. Furthermore, this response on Christmas Island led to the success-
ful listing of the YCA as a key threatening process under Australia's Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Act (1999). Along with the listing of the red imported
fi re ant as a key threatening process, this led to a national threat abatement plan
for invasive ants in Australia and its territories, which contains 72 actions, includ-
ing regional cooperation to build capacity for prevention and rapid response to
invasive ant species (Commonwealth of Australia 2006).
h e aerial baiting campaign was but one battle in what will be a protracted war,
but the prognosis for the suppression and containment of YCA supercolonies on
Christmas Island is good. Environment Australia now has in place a 10-year plan
(Fig. 11.3), with stable, ongoing funding for at least the fi rst 4 years. Much of these
resources will be devoted to maintenance management—biennial island-wide
surveys, and ground based control—but funds have also been allocated for another
aerial campaign, if needed, as well as the development of alternative baits, and
research and development on novel approaches to control (O'Dowd and Green
2003).
If there is one overarching lesson from the aerial baiting campaign on Christmas
Island and its aftermath, it is this: while funding and technology are fundamen-
tal in the battle against invasive species, it is passion, tenacity, and a steely will to
succeed that will eventually tip the scales.
Natural resource and park managers at PANCI—D. Slip, S. Comport, M. Orchard,
and M. Jeffery—provided crucial support to all aspects of this project. J. Barry
(PAN) was instrumental in obtaining funding and in guiding the project through
the EPBC referrals process. A. Andersen and the Crazy Ant Steering Committee
provided strategic oversight and direction throughout the development and con-
duct of this programme. G. Foo, K. Retallick, and T. Zormann conducted both the
IWS and initial ground baiting. A. bin Yon and E. bin Johari refuelled and reloaded
the helicopter, and research students K. Abbott, N. Davis, and R. Marr helped
provide the research underpinnings for the project. Chief pilot F. van Beek showed
consummate skill and professionalism in the aerial campaign and J. McDermott
committed his company to this effort. L. binte Bahari, J. bin Jantan, R. bin Sani,
and A. bin Wahid provided fi eld assistance. P. Morrow, J. Einam, and D. Meek
