Eradication and Control Strategies for Red Imported Fire Ants ( Solenopsis invicta ) in Taiwan

Helen K. Liu, Chung-Chi Lin, Li-Hsin Huang, Sin-An Huang and Rong-Nan Huang
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Helen K. Liu: Department of Political Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Chung-Chi Lin: Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua County 50007, Taiwan
Li-Hsin Huang: Department of Pesticide Application, Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, Taichung 41358, Taiwan
Sin-An Huang: National Red Imported Fire Ant Control Center, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan), Taipei 10617, Taiwan
Rong-Nan Huang: National Red Imported Fire Ant Control Center, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan), Taipei 10617, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-20

Abstract: Invasive alien species are one of the major threats to biological diversity, public safety, agriculture, and economics. In recent years, a new wave of the red imported fire ant (RIFA) has been detected in new regions, including Kobe (Japan), Daegu (South Korea), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), and other locations in southeast Asia. Due to the increasing number of invasions, practitioners and scientists are seeking effective strategies to respond to RIFA invasions in Pacific regions, especially in countries that have had no presence of RIFA. This study aims to identify the strategies adopted to eradicate RIFA in Taiwan and to elucidate some of the assumptions about RIFA prevention and treatment in infested areas with diverse land patterns. Through a literature review and examination of eradication cases in Taiwan, five essential eradication lessons are discussed: (1) Immediate action through partnership with universities and the private sector; (2) engagement with the public and community with an interest in RIFA control through technology; (3) establishment of multi-level horizontal networks of response teams; (4) strategy implementation ranging from large-scale prevention to precise treatment; and (5) adoption of technology and social media. These strategies will have implications and applications for east and south Asian countries that are dealing with similar challenges.

Keywords: invasive alien species; red imported fire ants; eradication; Asia; Taiwan; Solenopsis invicta (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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