Recent studies reveal a steep decline in ant populations across Fiji, mirroring a troubling global trend impacting insect species worldwide. Scientists attribute this reduction to a mixture of habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, which collectively disrupt the delicate balance of Fiji’s ecosystems. Ants, crucial for soil aeration and seed dispersal, are now far less abundant in both urban and rural environments, signaling deeper ecological instability. Conservationists warn that without urgent intervention, the cascading effects on biodiversity could be irreversible.

Researchers highlight several key factors contributing to this alarming trend:

  • Deforestation: Rapid land conversion for agriculture and development shrinks essential ant habitats.
  • Invasive Species: Non-native ants and predators compete aggressively, often outcompeting local species.
  • Climate…