Reward for fight against ant invaders

(PhysOrg.com) -- African Big Headed, Yellow Crazy, Tropical Fire and Singapore ants are only small foot soldiers, but vast colonies of these invasive insects are wreaking havoc throughout northern Australia - causing major environmental, economical and social damage.

CSIRO ecologist Dr Ben Hoffmann has been making significant headway in the fight against ant invaders through his research into the ecology and management of these pests, especially on Indigenous lands.

The Darwin-based Sustainable Ecosystems scientist was awarded the CSIRO John Philip Award for Excellence in Young Scientists in Melbourne today (Wednesday October 14, 2009).

Over the past 12 years, Dr Hoffmann has carried out research into the ecological impacts of invasive ants, eradication and ecosystem recovery.

His science-based approach to invasive ant management has led to internationally significant eradications of some of the world's worst ant pests from regions of outstanding ecological and cultural significance, including areas within Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory.

Dr Hoffmann said it is vitally important to consider the biology and ecology of the invasive species to be managed.

"We know very little about many of the species that we are having to control," he said.

"Using research as an integral part of a management program greatly improves project outcomes, especially when things don't go as planned."

Dr Hoffmann's research involves working in extremely challenging physical, cross-cultural, and multi-agency environments.

He is a highly respected figure in Aboriginal communities and organisations throughout the Top End, and has been highly influential in CSIRO's successful Indigenous engagement in the region.

Dr Hoffmann joined CSIRO as a Year 10 work experience student in 1990 and has been mentored by the country's leading ant ecologist, CSIRO's Dr Alan Andersen ever since.

Dr Andersen said Dr Hoffmann had used great science to improve pest ant management, with spectacular results.

"He has also played a significant role in demonstrating to remote Indigenous communities that scientific research can play an important role in meeting their land management needs," Dr Andersen said.

The John Philip Award for Excellence in Young Scientists is open to all CSIRO Officers up to the age of 35 years, who have been working in CSIRO for at least two years.

Provided by CSIRO