Killer ants could take a bite out of cane toad problem (Australia. Short video)

New Scientist ^ | Mar. 30, 2009 | Rachel Nowak

[decimon]

Eat them alive, or at least get predatory ants to do it for us – that's the latest proposal for dealing with the invasion of tropical Australia by toxic cane toads.

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Cane toad (Bufo marinus) young are more susceptible to being eaten by Australian meat ants (Iridomyrmex purpureus) than the young of native frogs, raising the possibility that meat ants might make a safe biocontrol agent, according to a team led by Rick Shine of the University of Sydney.

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[GeronL]

I hope someone over there is warning about unintended consequences

[1rudeboy]

Excellent idea. What could possibly go wrong?

[Joiseydude]

So what are the ants gonna eat when all the cane toads are gone?

[decimon]

I hope someone over there is warning about unintended consequences

That was my first thought. But then, the ants are indigenous and not introduced like the cane toads.

[GeronL]

I guess that makes some sense then.

I thought they’d lost their freaking minds

ever write fiction?? see tagline

[MyTwoCopperCoins]

Australia, is a continent. ‘Indigenous’ is a deceptive term.

Ants from one corner may wreak havoc on another.

[decimon]

So what are the ants gonna eat when all the cane toads are gone?

They don't expect the toads to be gone but to be reduced in numbers.

[decimon]

ever write fiction??

I've been so accused. ;-)

[kenth]

Maybe someone could cross them with African siafu ants, to increase their efficiency.

[The Electrician]

What is this world coming to?

First it's "space tornadoes" that we have to worry about.

Now it's killer "meat ants".

No wonder the Mayan calendar is nearing the end of the line...

[Billthedrill]

So what are the ants gonna eat when all the cane toads are gone?

Oh, well, they're Australian Meat Ants, so I'm assuming it would be something...uh...made...of...

Note to self: avoid rural vacations in Australia for the time being...

[GeronL]

lol. you could have said...

.. “I have NEVER written for the MSM”

[bill1952]

>But then, the ants are indigenous and not introduced like the cane toads.

Heh. If that were the case and there could be no problem, then those toads would already be balanced out.

Since that is not happening, then the introduction of these ants into this area is a fundamental mistake.
Find another method of control.

[JoeProBono]

[puppypusher]

If I were the Aussie's I would not want to import a nonnative species of ant.Especially this one.Things like these have a lot of unintended consequences.

They may regret this later.

Just look at our country with all of the trouble being created by nonnative species.

[decimon]

If I were the Aussie's I would not want to import a nonnative species of ant.

The article indicates that the ants are indigenous.

[decimon]

The toad appears better hung.

[JPG]

Years ago, Hawaii imported mongoose to kill rats in the cane fields. One problem. The rats were active at night while the mongoose slept. Now there are too many rats AND mongoose.

[Pietro]

Brilliant!!