Argentine ants (linepithema humile) are identified as one of the 100 worst invasive species according to the iucn invasive species specialist group

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) awarded a $813,154 Project Grant under the Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species program (CFDA 15.608) to The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to support the eradication of Argentine ants on Santa Cruz Island, California. The funding will be used to complete treatment of the remaining 2% of the original infestation, implement comprehensive surveys and monitoring, and establish a biosecurity program over the grant period from October 2024 to September 2027. Key milestones include an expert review, survey design enhancements, completion of treatment, and dissemination of lessons learned from this invasive species eradication project. TNC, which has a track record of successfully executing complex eradication programs, will lead this effort in partnership with the National Park Service to protect the unique biodiversity of Santa Cruz Island.

In order to protect the unique biodiversity of santa cruz island california the nature conservancy and national park service have led a cutting edge program to eradicate argentine ants since 2013. After a decade of lessons learned expert review and adaptive management we are now seeking to complete implementation with approximately 8 hectares (20 acres) or 2% of the original infestation to treat and the initiation of the crucial confirmation monitoring stage. During the timeline of this grant (2024 2027) major milestones will include 1) completion of an external review with invasive ANT eradication experts 2) strengthening of confirmation monitoring survey design 3) completion of treatment of all known infestation sites 4) completion of comprehensive surveys of all past infestation areas 5) implementation of an effective biosecurity program and 6) synthesis and dissemination of lessons learned from this novel project. Our core team has a proven track record for successfully executing complex eradication programs and is committed to the long term success of this project including implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity program. With funding from USFWS we are confident that we will meet the goals outlined in this proposal and progress towards our ultimate goal of eradicating argentine ants from santa cruz island.