Kyushu University put together a research group consisting of four ant experts and will work with local authorities to prevent the extremely poisonous, non-native fire ant known as hiari from establishing a foothold in the Japanese habitat. Information about the fire ant ecosystem and behavior pattern will be made available to ensure that the public can more readily identify the pests. Hiari were confirmed in Japan for the first time in Hyogo Prefecture earlier this year in May, and then first discovered in Kyushu at Hakata Port in July. The research group will help provide training sessions and educational activities to raise awareness about the issue. Source: Asahi Shimbun, 8/24/2017
Photo: Scott Bauer
Disclaimer: Fukuoka Now posts summaries of Kyushu area related news for the benefit of those who cannot read Japanese. Contents posted here are mostly summaries of publicly posted news stories from Japanese media organizations. Errors might occur during translation. Those errors are ours, and not the news source’s. Photos and images are sourced separately and are for illustrative purposes only. Please use this form to send feedback and questions.
