DRASTIC ANT ACTION NEEDED

[j.m@talk]

Hong Kong is considering importing anteaters to fend off an infestation of potentially dangerous ants.

The territory will first weigh the ecological implications, according to the environment chief.

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.

"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," a spokesman said.

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

"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 have begun 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.

[leprechaun_40]

What about Killer bees and fireants and kudzu here??? We need some drastic action here too,,

I say, no more imported stuff with bugs and weeds, nuke them all!!!!

Hmmm, maybe we could convince the Japanese that they are an aphrodisiac and they'd go and collect them all

[zybch]

Thats just bloody stupid! The fire ants fulfil a useful social need by killing the elderly, infirm and kids who can't run fast enough, thus improving the human gene pool, killing off those who don't deserve to live any longer.

[mireland]