入侵的火蟻威脅澳洲的生態系統和生活方式

火蟻是一種原產於南美洲的入侵物種，在澳洲已成為日益嚴重的威脅，帶來了嚴重的健康和環境問題。在昆士蘭州金布巴，拉文德一家的戶外活動因遭遇火蟻而中斷，他們的女兒被嚴重螫傷。這些螞蟻以其攻擊性行為和叮咬帶來的痛苦而聞名，已在全國範圍內迅速蔓延，引發了人們對過敏反應和廣泛的生態系統破壞的擔憂。包括誘餌計劃和監控技術在內的緊急根除工作正在進行中，以阻止螞蟻的擴散並保護澳洲的生活方式。

Advancement of Invasive Fire Ants Poses Significant Threat to Australian Ecosystem and Lifestyle

入侵性火蟻的發展對澳洲生態系統和生活方式構成重大威脅

Introduction

介紹

Australia faces an escalating threat from an aggressive and invasive species: fire ants. Originally hailing from South America, these insects have rapidly established a foothold in the country, prompting widespread concern among residents and environmentalists.

澳洲面臨著來自侵略性和入侵性物種：火蟻的不斷升級的威脅。這些昆蟲最初來自南美洲，很快就在該國立足，引起了居民和環保人士的廣泛關注。

Accidental Encounter Leads to Alarm

意外遭遇引發警報

Colleen Lavender, a concerned parent from Jimboomba, Queensland, has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of fire ants. Her 11-year-old daughter, Lily, was playing in a park when she inadvertently disturbed a fire ant nest. The angry swarm attacked Lily, leaving her with over 50 painful and pustule-filled welts.

來自昆士蘭州金布巴的一位憂心忡忡的家長科琳·拉文德 (Colleen Lavender) 親眼目睹了火蟻造成的毀滅性影響。她 11 歲的女兒莉莉 (Lily) 在公園裡玩耍時，無意中驚動了火蟻巢。憤怒的蜂群襲擊了莉莉，給她留下了 50 多處疼痛且佈滿膿皰的傷痕。

The incident has forced the Lavender family to reassess their outdoor activities due to the prevalence of fire ant nests in their surroundings. "We don't walk around barefoot anymore like Aussie kids used to do," Ms. Lavender said, expressing her dismay at the potential consequences for the Australian lifestyle.

由於周圍火蟻巢穴的普遍存在，這起事件迫使拉文德一家重新評估他們的戶外活動。 「我們不再像以前的澳洲孩子那樣赤腳走路了，」拉文德女士說，她對這對澳洲生活方式的潛在後果表示沮喪。

Origins and Characteristics of Fire Ants

火蟻的起源和特徵

Fire ants are small insects, typically measuring 2 to 6 millimeters in length and possessing a coppery-brown coloration. They have an aggressive temperament and deliver a painful sting. Their nests are characterized by dome-shaped mounds or patches of disturbed dirt, lacking any obvious entry or exit points.

火蟻是一種小型昆蟲，通常長度為 2 至 6 毫米，呈銅棕色。它們性情好鬥，蜇人後會感到疼痛。它們的巢穴的特徵是圓頂形的土丘或被擾動的泥土，沒有任何明顯的入口或出口點。

Invasive Spread and Ecological Impact

入侵傳播與生態影響

First detected in Brisbane in 2001, fire ants have since spread rapidly throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales. Their success stems from the absence of natural predators in Australia and a climate that is highly conducive to their survival.

2001 年，火蟻首次在布里斯班被發現，此後迅速蔓延到整個昆士蘭州和新南威爾斯州北部。它們的成功源自於澳洲沒有天敵以及非常有利於它們生存的氣候。

Fire ants are a voracious predator, consuming ground-nesting animals and insects, including lizards, frogs, and mammals. The National Fire Ant Eradication Plan warns that their presence could have a domino effect on the entire ecosystem, potentially eliminating native species.

火蟻是一種貪婪的掠食者，吃地面築巢的動物和昆蟲，包括蜥蜴、青蛙和哺乳動物。國家火蟻根除計畫警告說，它們的存在可能會對整個生態系統產生骨牌效應，有可能消滅本地物種。

Health Concerns and Economic Impacts

健康問題和經濟影響

In addition to their ecological damage, fire ants pose significant health risks to humans. National allergy bodies have estimated that up to 174,000 Australians could develop severe allergic reactions to their bites if the species becomes endemic. Fire ants have also been responsible for hundreds of deaths in the United States since the 1990s.

除了生態破壞之外，火蟻也對人類造成重大健康風險。國家過敏機構估計，如果該物種成為地方病，多達 174,000 名澳洲人可能會因被叮咬而出現嚴重過敏反應。自 1990 年代以來，火蟻也導緻美國數百人死亡。

The economic implications of fire ant infestation are also substantial. In the United States, they have caused widespread crop damage to agricultural and horticultural crops. Similar losses are anticipated in Australia, with over 50 types of produce at risk.

火蟻侵擾的經濟影響也很大。在美國，它們對農業和園藝作物造成了廣泛的損害。預計澳洲也會遭受類似損失，有 50 多種農產品面臨風險。

Government Response and Eradication Plan

政府應對和根除計劃

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Australian government has committed an additional half a billion dollars to the National Fire Ant Eradication Plan. This plan encompasses a multi-faceted approach to combat the spread of fire ants.

有鑑於情勢的迫切性，澳洲政府已為國家火蟻根除計畫額外投入 5 億美元。該計劃包括採取多方面的方法來遏制火蟻的蔓延。

Surveillance is a key component, utilizing remote sensing technology and artificial intelligence to identify nests from the air. Field officers and odor detection dogs also conduct regular surveys to locate and treat infestations.

監視是一個關鍵組成部分，利用遙感技術和人工智慧從空中識別巢穴。現場官員和氣味探測犬也定期進行調查，以定位和治療感染。

Baiting programs, which employ both insect growth repellents and fast-acting insecticides, are underway to kill ants and prevent colony expansion. The baits are safe for humans and pets and break down quickly after use.

正在實施誘餌計劃，使用昆蟲生長驅避劑和速效殺蟲劑來殺死螞蟻並防止蟻群擴張。這些誘餌對人類和寵物來說是安全的，並且在使用後很快就會分解。

Community Responsibility

社區責任

Individuals play a vital role in combating fire ant spread. Anyone who suspects they have found a fire ant nest should report it to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Residents in infested zones are encouraged to treat their properties even if nests are not visible.

個人在對抗火蟻傳播方面發揮著至關重要的作用。任何懷疑發現火蟻巢穴的人都應向國家​​火蟻根除計劃報告。鼓勵受感染地區的居民處理他們的財產，即使巢穴不可見。

By working together, the community can help prevent the spread of this invasive species and protect the Australian ecosystem and way of life.

透過共同努力，社區可以幫助防止這種入侵物種的傳播，並保護澳洲的生態系統和生活方式。