Hong Kong mulls importing anteaters to fend off ants

Hong Kong is considering importing anteaters to fend off an infestation of potentially dangerous ants but will first weigh the ecological implications.

Hong Kong is considering importing anteaters to fend off an infestation of potentially dangerous ants but will first weigh the ecological implications, the environment chief said Sunday.

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The long-nosed creatures may be called in to roam parts of the territory invaded by red fire ants, a native South American insect pest which in rare cases can inflict a sting lethal to humans, Sarah Liao said.

"I think now we have a foreign species introduced to our ecosystem -- our staff are doing very detailed research on what best to be done," Liao said when asked if anteaters were being considered.

"Introducing an anteater seems to be a simple solution but it may not be the best," she added.

"We have to consider how to maintain the balance in our ecosystem before we do anything drastic. Introducing a life form which is outside the ecological cycle in Hong Kong has to be carefully considered."

Officials Thursday began a territory-wide programme to spray insecticide on anthills after the red fire ants were found in Hong Kong.

Potted plants and trees destined for import from China have been found to be infested and officials have said the ants were probably introduced this way.

A search found anthills in various locations, including the densely populated Kowloon district.

Bites from the red fire ants -- so named for the burning sensation their sting produces -- can sometimes trigger potentially fatal allergic reactions.

States in the US have launched extensive eradication programmes as the insects also cause millions of dollars worth of damage to structures and crops.