Odour detection dogs trained locally in the Northern Territory are sniffing out invasive browsing ants to ensure the eradication of this exotic pest from the Territory.
Browsing ants (Lepisiota frauenfeldi) are a national biosecurity threat as they eat and displace native ant species, as well as other insects.
The work of the dogs will go a long way to ensuring that the Northern Territory remains on target to eradicate browsing ants within the next two years.
First discovered at Darwin Port in 2015, browsing ants had been identified at 23 properties in the Territory, however surveillance by odour detection dogs has provided assurance that 22 of these properties remain free of the invasive species.
Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and is critical to ensuring the health and viability of the Northern Territory’s agricultural industries and its native species.
Training of Territory-based canines for exotic pest surveillance ensures that a quality local service is available to assist the localised National Browsing Ant Eradication Program efforts efficiently and effectively.
Local business, Top End Conservation Dogs, has worked closely with Government as we strive toward eradication of these invasive ants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries, Mark Monaghan:
“Biosecurity is critical to ensuring the viability of all of our important agricultural, horticultural and fisheries industry sectors into the future.
“When exotic pests are identified, as they inevitably will be, we must act vigilantly to eradicate those threats as quickly as possible.
“Training odour detection dogs and having them readily available to assist with pest detection surveillance activities just makes sense.
“This program protects our industries and our environment. The Territory Labor Government will continue to invest in biosecurity innovation to help ensure their future is protected.”
Quotes attributable to National Browsing Ant Eradication Program NT Program Manager, Chris Collins:
“We would like to thank Territory businesses who have taken part in the National Browsing Ant Eradication Program to date.
“Their cooperation and efforts to implement good biosecurity practice are essential to protecting the Territory from invasive species.
“We continue to ask Territorians to report any signs of browsing ants or unusual ants. It is with your help that we can continue towards eradicating browsing ants and preventing the establishment of other exotic ant species.”
Quotes attributable to Top End Conservation Dogs representative, Bronwyn Mullins:
“Detection dogs are a huge advantage when it comes to detecting invasive pests, diseases and plants.
“The use of NT-based detection dogs on browsing ants will greatly assist the ongoing surveillance for the eradication program.
“Allowing for rapid deployment of the dogs into areas of interest without delay provides us with a greater chance of eradication.”
Northern Territory Government
