![]() ![]() The refuge is one of the most isolated atoll formations in the world, providing essential habitat for tens of thousands of seabirds, including the world’s largest colony of red-tailed tropicbirds. It is the only seabird habitat in more than 570,000 square miles of open ocean, sustaining fifteen species of breeding seabirds that rely on the emergent land protected by the refuge.įor more than 10 years, these ground nesting seabirds were severely threatened by yellow crazy ants. “The infestation increased in such density that they swarmed anything on the ground, spraying formic acid on seabird chicks and adults – causing blindness, injury and death. The arrival and rapid spread of the invasive ants prevented red-tailed tropicbird nesting in the 70 acres infestation area and put the entire seabird colony at risk,” according to the FWS. This is the first time the species has been eradicated from such a large area in the US. These ants no longer exist at Johnston Atoll NWR thanks to the great work of staff and volunteers who lived at Johnston for half a year at a time, to exterminate the ants.Īfter combating “yellow crazy ants” for a decade, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has eradicated the invasive species, protecting vital seabird colonies at Johnston Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. Yellow crazy ants are non-native ant species that cause harm to seabirds, disrupting their ability to reproduce. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has eradicated the yellow crazy ant from Johnston Atoll NWR. Red-tailed tropic bird chick swarmed by red ants.
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