One of world’s 100 most harmful invasive species spotted in Haifa

Baku, October 29, AZERTAC An invasive ant, considered one of the world’s 100 most harmful invasive species, has been detected for the first time in Haifa, Israel, prompting an urgent monitoring and eradication campaign, according to TPS-IL. The African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) was discovered in the city’s Neve Sha’anan neighborhood.

Authorities are also investigating reports of its presence in Haifa’s Hadar HaCarmel neighborhood. The Environmental Protection Ministry warned that while the ant poses no health risk to humans, it can cause significant damage to local ecosystems and agriculture. The species reproduces rapidly, forms extensive networks of nests, and can displace native ants, prey on small animals, and disrupt…