Ants Under The Microscope

Over the past two years, the HKIA Environmental Fund has supported a research project conducted by the University of Hong Kong entitled "Monitoring of terrestrial non-native insect species in Hong Kong". The study monitored the native and exotic communities of ants and moths at HKIA and surrounding habitats. It helped identify invasive species and identify measures to prevent their arrival or dispersal in Hong Kong which is in line with the Government's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Results from the research revealed a number of interesting ant species, including two that are new to science and seven others that have never been recorded in Hong Kong. Another major finding determined that Scenic Hill on the airport island to be of high ecological value that can act as a natural barrier to prevent the spread of invasive species at HKIA.