Tiny ant farmers face threat from invasive ants

In Fiji's upland forests, a remarkable symbiotic relationship between ants and plants is under threat. Researchers have identified the ant species Philidris nagasau, which actively cultivates specific plants. These ants sow seeds, nurture the plants, and use their waste as fertilizer, receiving food and shelter in return.

“

The ants plant seeds, care for the plants and use their waste to fertilise them. In return, the plants provide the ants with food and shelter.

This unique partnership, discovered by University of the South Pacific PhD researcher Umar Diarra, is crucial for the survival of both species. Diarra's work also revealed bacteria within the plants that may produce natural antibiotics, offering disease protection.

“

The invasive ants are pushing out the farming ants.

However, the ancient ecosystem faces a new danger: the invasive white-footed ant. Diarra warns that these invasive ants are displacing the native farming ants. If the Philidris nagasau disappear, the specialized plants they cultivate could also perish, leading to the loss of a globally unique ecosystem. Diarra emphasizes the importance of protecting Fiji's forests to preserve this one-of-a-kind natural heritage and hopes his research will inspire more Fijians to study and conserve their country's biodiversity.

“

If the farming ants disappear, the unique plants could also die.