Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes; bottom left) have invaded parts of the endemic coco de mer (Lodoicea maldivica) palm forest on the island of Praslin, Seychelles. Arboreal molluscs (Vaginula seychellensis, Stylodonta studeriana and Pachnodus pralines) and geckos (Phelsuma astriata, P. sundbergi, Ailuronyx tachyscopaeus, A. trachygaster) are absent or reduced in numbers in areas where ants are present, suggesting displacement of arboreal endemics by the invasive ants. Credit: Dennis Hansen (Ailuronyx trachygaster), Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury (Vaginula seychellensis), Bаrble Koch (Phelsuma astriata), Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury (Stylodonta studeriana), Chris Mason-Parker (Anoplolepis gracilipes), Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury (P. sundbergi, A. tachyscopaeus, Pachnodus pralines); Centre: Chris Mason-Parker (Vallеede Mai palm forest).

The yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes is ranked amongst the top 100 worst global invasive species and is responsible for catastrophic ecological impacts on islands. A new study published in the open access journal NeoBiota examines and assesses the effects and dangers of the introduction of the yellow crazy ant to the unique,endemic ecosystem of the mature palm forest of the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the Seychelles.

The palm forest of Vallée de Mai is a unique ecosystem containing many endemic species, including the iconic coco de mer palm Lodoicea maldivica.

Impacts of invasive ants can include direct effects such as displaced local species, and indirect effects on key ecological functions such as frugivory, pollination and seed dispersal.

"Although the impacts and ecology of A. gracilipes have been well documented in degraded habitats in the Seychelles, little is known about this ant's invasion potential in endemic palm forest ecosystems. Praslin, the second largest granitic island of the archipelago, is home to Seychelles' native mature palm forest. This habitat represents one of the last island palm forest ecosystems in the world and hosts many species that are endemic to Praslin or the Seychelles," explains Dr. Christopher Kaiser-Bunbury, TU Darmstadt, Germany.

According to the new study in the palm forest Anoplolepis gracilipes was confined to the north-east of the Vallée de Mai and remained almost stationary between April 2010 and December 2012, with isolated outbreaks into the forest. Infested areas typically had significantly higher temperature and humidity and lower canopy cover.

Despite the limited distribution the study confirms some worrying trends. Abundance and species richness of the endemic arboreal fauna were lower in the A. gracilipes invaded area and Molluscs were absent from the invaded area. The current restricted distribution of A. gracilipes in this ecosystem, combined with lower abundance of endemic fauna in the invaded area, highlight the need for further research.

"Once an invasive species is established it is often difficult to eliminate or prevent further spread. In the case of A. gracilipes in the Vallée de Mai, further research into control or exclusion options, impacts and potential biotic resistance to ant invasion are required in addition to continued monitoring of distribution and abundance," explains Dr. Kaiser-Bunbury.

Chemical control poses a considerable risk to non-target species, such as endemic ants. The study therefore advises promoting and researching resistance of the palm forest by creating and maintaining conditions which restrict A. gracilipes populations, such as the removal of introduced broadleaf trees which host high numbers of introduced hemipterans, and targeted control of ant nests in the most disturbed habitats.

Future research should experimentally assess and quantify parameters that ensure the resistance of the unique Vallée de Mai palm forest and its co-evolved plant and animal species.

Explore further Leaf litter ants advance case for rainforest conservation in Borneo

More information: Kaiser-Bunbury CN, Cuthbert H, Fox R, Darryl Birch, Bunbury N (2014) Invasion of yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in a Seychelles UNESCO palm forest. NeoBiota 22: 43–57. Journal information: NeoBiota Kaiser-Bunbury CN, Cuthbert H, Fox R, Darryl Birch, Bunbury N (2014) Invasion of yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes in a Seychelles UNESCO palm forest. NeoBiota 22: 43–57. DOI: 10.3897/neobiota.22.6634