Conservation Actions Underway

CITES Appendix I. A national park was created in 1980, which has since been extended to cover more than 60% of the island (D. James in litt. 2005, 2007; Low 2016) and includes most breeding areas. A lease agreement with Christmas Island Phosphates Pty Ltd prevents clearance of primary rainforest and requires permits to clear regrowth. A monitoring programme was in place between 1982 and 1993. Since 1984, c.20% of mined areas adjacent to nesting areas have been planted in an ongoing restoration programme. A control programme for A. gracilipes has been successfully initiated since 2000 and effectively eliminated the ant from 2,800 ha of forest (95% of its former extent) (P. Green and D. O'Dowd in litt. 2003). Monitoring of the problem continues and hand-baiting measures have been ongoing. Aerial baiting was carried out in September 2002, 2009 and 2012 and proved to be successful against major colonies (Olsen 2005), eliminating over 98% of ants (D. James in litt. 2005, 2007). However, the ants have since recovered (D. James in litt. 2005, 2007). The ants remained persistent in 2006, and it was thought that perpetual baiting would be the only means of controlling them (T. Low in litt. 2006). The bait used so far is known to be toxic to invertebrates, including crabs, and although alternatives have been trialled, an effective replacement has not been found (D. James in litt. 2005, 2007). Control of the scale bugs by parasitoid wasps which parasitise the scale insects that the ants tend for their sugar secretions has been suggested, in order to reduce this food supply (T. Low in litt. 2006; D. James in litt. 2005, 2007). This bio-control programme is in its final test phase before implementing it large scale on Christmas Island (J. Hennicke in litt.). In 2004, 2005 and 2006, surveys were carried out to assess the impact of the construction of an immigration centre on a breeding colony adjacent to the site (James 2007). Since 2004 ground surveys have been carried out and in 2009 an areal survey was conducted to determine population dynamics and breeding activity (J. Hennicke unpubl. data). Since 2004, the foraging ecology, reproduction as well as immunology and genetics of adults and juveniles has been investigated to identify threats and pressures and their effects on the species (e.g. Quillfeldt et al. 2011, Morris-Pocock et al. 2012, Hennicke and Weimerskirch 2014 a,b).

Conservation Actions Proposed

Monitor the abundance and spread of A. gracilipes (Commonwealth of Australia 2004), whilst continuing to implement control measures. Develop and implement appropriate monitoring techniques (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Monitor the impact of rehabilitation efforts on trends and distribution. Continue to investigate the foraging ecology of adults and juveniles (e.g. by tracking studies) (Commonwealth of Australia 2004, Olsen 2005). Negotiate with the mining company to ensure protection of all breeding habitat and appropriate buffers. Minimise and monitor effects of developments such as the launch pad (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Develop a wind turbulence model to guide habitat restoration (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Continue to implement weed management strategy (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Monitor likely impact of developing fisheries around Christmas Island (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Address threats from global climate change at national and international levels (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Monitor the possible effects of climate change on the species (Commonwealth of Australia 2004). Protect all existing and potential future breeding habitat, i.e. protect all remaining primary rainforest on the island’s plateau as well as the adjacent secondary growth forests.