Christmas Island is located 1,550 kilometers to the northwest of the Australian mainland and was discovered by William Mynors in 1643. It was an important site for mining phosphate; a primary ingredient in the production of fertilizer. The island was administrated by the British Singapore Crown Colony until transferred to Australia in 1958.
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Anoplolepis gracilipes - The long-legged ant is one of the most successful invasive animal species. Originating in East Africa, the ant has managed to spread to remote locations ranging from the Hawaiian Islands to Christmas Island. Ant dispersal typically occurs with queens taking nuptial flights, but the long-legged ant spreads through “budding,” a process where a mated queen leaves an existing colony with enough workers to set up a new colony. Budding is slower, but with the ability of hitching rides on human transportation, the ant has found success.
