[Link] 'Horrible to think about': Dire warning on spread of fire ants

Read: 16/2/2022 www.abc.net.au

The national fire ant program began in 2017 with a $411 million budget from the Commonwealth, states and territories, but recently admitted it needs more money and time to eradicate the ants.

ants aus biosecurity australia australian animals australian environment billions biosecurity environment environmental agencies environmental rehab fire ants insects invasive species queensland regional australia

[Link] War on viruses over for Victoria's sentinel chickens after decades of bloody service

Read: 7/11/2021 www.abc.net.au

For almost 50 years, flocks of sentinel chickens along the Murray River have formed the front line of defence against mosquito-borne viruses.

animal borne disease australia australian farmers chicken disease farming insects livestock meat industry mosquitoes victoria victoria health

[Link] Amber Fossil Shows ‘Hell Ant’ Was Unlike Anything Alive Today

Read: 7/8/2021 www.smithsonianmag.com

Some 99 million years ago an ant unlike any alive today was in the midst of a savage scythe-jawed attack when dripping plant resin froze the insect, along with its prey, in a final predatory tableau.

animals ants extinct species fossils insects myanmar paleontology university research wildlife