What’s New
Check out what we've been up to in May 2023
Bulmba Rangers support youth studies
The Djabugay Bulmba Rangers invited the Community Taskforce to deliver an invasive ant presentation to Kuranda District State College students. The students are currently studying Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management with a pest management subject.
Wet Tropics Management Authority delivered an information session on yellow crazy ants and Biosecurity Queensland delivered on electric ants. The students now have a better understanding of the impacts invasive ants have on our local ecosystems and why it is so important to eradicate these pests and keep them out of our Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
The students will also do a practical component and learn about the stages of eradication, how to survey for yellow crazy ants, GPS usage and treatment.
Collaborations with Government, Community, Schools and Traditional Owners is so important to work together and a great reminder that yellow crazy ant eradication would not be possible without community support.
Students studying Certificate II in Conservation and Ecology take a closer look at invasive ants under a magnifying glass.
From left Dameon Hunter (Djabugay Bulmba Rangers), student, Sylvia Conway (Community Taskforce), Alishamay Charteris (Wet Tropics Management Authority), Jessica Conroy and Sam Wylie (Biosecurity QLD), students, Noel Thompson (Djabugay Bulmba Ranger).
Speewah Gardens visit
Staff at Speewah Gardens learned how to recognise the differences between invasive yellow crazy ants and electric ants with live ant samples to look at under a magnifying glass.
The staff were grateful to come away with a better understanding of the threats that invasive ants pose to our precious Wet Tropics biodiversity.
Recognising and reporting suspect ants is an easy way we can all help to stop the spread and work towards yellow crazy ant eradication.
If your workplace or group would like a FREE Toolbox talk, please do get in touch.
Speewah Gardens staff member Bec Barnes takes a closer look at live electric ants under the magnifying glass.
From left Bec, Andrew (Wet Tropics Management Authority) Jason, Clayton and Dave.
Queens Creek not in flow
Queens Creek was once a permanent flowing creek however in more recent years it has become seasonal.
In between years 2000-2002 Conrad Hoskins was discovering the Kuranda tree frog (Litoria myola) with Queens Ck having the second-highest population. By 2015 the creek had dried up and the population dramatically decreased. Any historical information from the last 40 years would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has any information, please do get in touch.
The good news is that no yellow crazy ants or electric ants have been found in the five creeks we have so far checked.
This is our 10th survey looking for yellow crazy ants in the lower reaches of creeks that are home to the endemic and critically endangered Kuranda tree frog.
The next Kuranda Tree Frog habitat survey will be at Queens Creek 27 May 2023. All positions have been filled for this survey however see more dates below for opportunities to join us on our monthly adventures.
No experience is necessary, but a medium level of fitness is required.
Lunch is always provided, and we suggest bringing a small backpack to carry your water bottle and personal belongings. Sturdy footwear, long pants and sleeves, gloves, hat and eye protection also make for a safer day. We will have spare gloves and cold water to top up your water bottle with.
Here are the dates for our upcoming monthly surveys:
- Survey #4 – Sat 24 June – Mantaka Ck
- Survey #5 – Sat 29 July – Mantaka Ck
- Survey #6 – Sat 26 August – TBC
- Survey #7 – Sat 23 Sep -TBC
The Kuranda treefrog (Litoria myola) is critically endangered, endemic to our region and under threat from invasive ants. Photo credit Cathy Retter
Biosecurity Queensland officer Stephanie checking out suspected electric ant samples at Queens Creek which both came back negative.
Community Taskforce Coordinator Sylvia, Biosecurity Queensland officer Stephanie with Taskforce Volunteer Jacinta surveying for yellow crazy ants and electric ants at Queens Creek.
What’s Coming Up
Would you like to learn new skills and join in on events and surveys?
What’s happening
FREE Toolbox talk
Learn about the risks and impacts invasive ants have in your community.
Where: In your workplace
When: Get in touch to make a time
Kuranda Tree frog habitat (KTF) monthly survey
Volunteers wanted for our survey crew
Where: Queen Creek, Oak Forest Rd, Kuranda
When: Saturday 24 June 2023 | 8am – 12pm |
Moderate level of fitness required
No experience necessary; all training provided on the day.
Lunch included
Ecofiesta
Volunteer positions are now filled.
Where: Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns
When: Sunday 4 June 2023 | 10am – 6pm |
Volunteer With Us
Volunteer and join the Taskforce or stay informed about yellow crazy ants
On a final note
The Yellow Crazy Ant Community Taskforce is a community-run organisation that assists the Wet Tropics Management Authority in managing the yellow crazy ant infestations in Kuranda.
Volunteers are involved in many aspects of the program including undertaking regular monitoring activities, completing surveys, and attending community engagement activities and events.
We search for both yellow crazy ants and electric ants.
To report illegal dumping contact Mareeba Shire Council on 1300 308 461.
Report yellow crazy ants call 1800 CRAZY ANT
To volunteer with the Yellow Crazy Ant Community Taskforce call (07) 4093 8989, email coordinator@communitytaskforce.org.au or visit @ycacommunitytaskforce Facebook page.
