Fire ants: How are they so good at being so bad?

Presenter: Professor Nigel Andrew

Nigel is an entomologist and is currently the Chair of Science at Southern Cross University. He is also a 2020 Fulbright Senior Scholar. His research investigates the responses of insects (native and introduced; pests and natural enemies to environmental extremes and rapid climatic changes. Nigel is currently a panel member of the Australian Research Council, College of Experts. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Austral Ecology and Vice-President of the Entomological Society of NSW. Additionally, Nigel is a member of the NSW Fulbright Postgraduate, Postdoctoral, and Future Scholar Scholarship Panels. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society.

Nigel will be joined in conversation by Christopher Zinn. Christopher has a Geography MA (Oxon) from Hertford College Oxford, and the experience has been significant in his career as a journalist here and overseas in newspapers, radio and TV. He has specialised in environmental and social stories. He ran campaigns and communications at CHOICE for some years and is vested in forging better consumer outcomes. He has experience with boards and councils of various associations and NFPs.

Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are one of the biggest threats to our way of life. Their occupation in South East Queensland for 25 years has led many localised populations to become persistent. This is quickly diminishing our ability to eradicate them. And the costs to contain them in their current area is also becoming larger, with fresh outbreaks continuing.  Here, I will give an overview of why RIFA are such an effective invasive species, and why it has been difficult to control them – from an ecological and entomological perspective. And what options we have to eradicate them.

When: 11 February 2025

Time:  7:30 - 8:30 pm AEST  

            8:30 – 9:30 pm AEDT

Location: Zoom Only

Please note: The ZOOM link for this event is included in the confirmation email which you will receive once you have registered. You will find it at the bottom of the notice Please keep this in a place where you can find it when needed. A reminder email will be sent with the link on the day of the event close to Close of Business hours.

Photo credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program

This event may be recorded. If you have any questions, please email us at info@rgsq.org.au