1. Introduction 2024 AIRIES Abstract associated with the country’s extensive transportation system and favorable climatic conditions. This review aims to provide an overview of the ecological and environmental in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau (then referred to as China). It details the spread and ecological implications of S. invicta, focusing on its effects on native species, invertebrate and vertebrate, and ecosystems. both Furthermore, the environmental consequences of the invasion of S. invicta, mainly related to agricultural productivity and human health. Unlike previous reviews focusing on various invasion components, such as the initial spread and management of S. invicta in China (Zhang et al., 2007), the current research status on S. invicta in China (Wang et al., 2013) the impact of S. invicta on native biodiversity in South China (Wang et al., 2019), the prevalence and management S. invicta in China (Wang et al., 2020), the impact of invasive ant species on native ant fauna across similar habitats under global habitat changes (Siddiqui et al., 2021) or China’s ongoing battle with the exotic ant species (Siddiqui et al., 2024), this review synthesizes it provides an overview of 159 impacts of RIFA Shahmshad Ahmed KHAN*, André Ibañez WEEMAELS, Mingrong LIANG and Benoit GUÉNARD* Global Environmental Research 28/2024 159-170 printed in Japan Insect Biodiversity and Biogeography Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam Road, Hong Kong, SAR, china *E-mail: shamshadahmeduca@gmail.com, zeroben@gmail.com The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren 1972, is one of the most damaging invasive ant species, causing ecological, economical and social impacts in many regions worldwide. Since its first record in mainland China in 2004, it has rapidly spread across multiple provinces, including Hong Kong and Macau, driven by the country’s extensive transportation system and favorable climatic conditions. This review provides an overview of the distribution and ecological impacts of S. invicta in mainland China, focusing on its interaction with native species, disruption of ecosystem processes and implications for human societies. Additionally, the S. invicta invasion has led to significant agricultural damage, increased infrastructure costs, higher public health risks such as allergic reactions, and socio-economic disruptions. Finally, this review offers policy recommendations for timely detection, public awareness and international cooperation to mitigate the ongoing and potential impacts of S. invicta. Key words: ecological impact, environmental impact, mainland China, red imported fire ant (RIFA), spread and distribution The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta Buren 1972, is an invasive ant species well-known for its aggressive behavior, painful stings and ecological and economic impacts. Considered one of the 100 most damaging invasive species (Lowe et al., 2000), it has spread to five continents since the last century (Guénard et al., 2017). Several characteristics have been identified as important in the invasive success of RIFA, including a high reproductive rate, polydomy (the formation of multiple nests by a single colony), and the ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions (Tschinkel, 2013). China is facing significant threats to its biodiversity, agriculture and human health from the introduction of S. invicta. Since the detection of S. invicta in mainland China in 2004, it has been rapidly spreading across the country’s different northern counties and provinces (Wang et al., 2023). The successful invasion of S. invicta in mainland China and neighboring territories is directly 1.1 Background on Solenopsis Invicta Ecological and Environmental Impacts of the Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
元のページ ../index.html#65