1. Introduction 2024 AIRIES The alien species invasion continues to proceed, fueled by human-mediated international trade and climate change, leading to significant reductions in biodiversity and posing threats to public health. The global economic impacts are also substantial, with estimates suggesting costs of approximately US$1.288 trillion over the past 50 years. Among these, insect invasions have become increasingly frequent each year, resulting in significant economic, health and ecological damage. This study reviews the strategies currently implemented at the national level in South Korea for managing invasive alien ant species and proposes future improvements. By presenting an overview of current management practices and their efficacy, this study aims to contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable management strategies for invasive alien ant species in South Korea. Key words: ant management, biodiversity, ecological impact, invasive species, Republic of Korea The alien species invasion continues to proceed, fueled by human-mediated international trade and climate change, leading to significant reductions in biodiversity and posing threats to public health (Early et al., 2016; Hulme, 2017; Seebens et al., 2017). The global economic impacts are substantial, with estimates suggesting costs of approximately US$1.288 trillion over the past 50 years (Zenni et al., 2021). Among these, insect invasions have become increasingly frequent each year, resulting in significant economic, health and ecological damage (Kenis et al., 2009; Venette & Hutchison, 2021). Although they represent only about 2% of all insect species, social insects comprise 57% of the most harmful invasive alien insects, underscoring their severe impact (IUCN, 2020). These invasive social insects exert stronger impacts compared to their solitary counterparts due to their large colonies, strong prey hunting abilities and high polygyny rates (Crowder & Snyder, 2010; Beggs et al., 2011; Boulay et al., 2014; Wittman et al., 2018). South Korea, a country with diverse ecosystems and significant economic activities, is not immune to the threats posed by invasive ant species (Lee et al., 2020a; Park et al., 2023). Currently, three species—the long-legged ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes), Argentine ant fire ant (Linepithema humile) and Abstract (Solenopsis invicta)—are designated and managed as ecosystem-disturbing organisms in South Korea (Kim et al., 2020). These species are among the world’s top 100 worst invasive alien species due to their severe ecological and economic impacts (Lowe et al., 2000). They have spread and established themselves in new environments primarily through global trade and transportation (Holway et al., 2002). These invasive ants often displace native insect species and other invertebrates, disrupt mutualistic relationships between native plants and insects and degrade the habitat quality for many vertebrates and plants, thereby threatening native biodiversity (Allen et al., 2017; Park et al., 2023). Additionally, they negatively impact agricultural production and can serve as vectors for diseases in sensitive locations such as medical facilities (Plentovich et al., 2009; Sánchez-Soto, 2013). The objective of this study is comprehensively to review the national level in South Korea for managing invasive alien ant species. Additionally, this study aims to identify the challenges encountered in this process and propose future improvements. By providing a comprehensive overview of current management practices and their effectiveness, this study aims to advance the development of more effective and sustainable strategies for managing invasive alien ant species. The insights presented are intended to the strategies currently 179 implemented at Sang-Hyun PARK Global Environmental Research 28/2024 179-184 printed in Japan Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kosin University 194 Wachi-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49104, Republic of Korea E-mail: pantz@kosin.ac.kr imported red Managing Invasive Ant Species in South Korea: Current Practices and Future Directions
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