These pest species have been identified as the top threats to Queensland’s biodiversity, agriculture and the state’s iconic native wildlife. With over 1,000 threatened species already listed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, and invasive species being identified as the number one driver of native species extinction, the situation has reached a critical tipping point in 2025.
The Scale of the Crisis
Queensland is home to 85% of Australia’s native mammals, 72% of native birds, and over 14,000 plant species, many found nowhere else on Earth. Yet this extraordinary biodiversity is currently being assaulted by growing numbers of invasive species that are attacking Queensland’s land, animals and waterways.
The Invasive Species Council’s 2025 assessment has identified the most urgent threats facing Queensland’s native wildlife, with several species showing alarming population growth and territorial expansion that demands immediate action.
1. Red Imported Fire Ants
Fire ants currently infest around 830,000 hectares in Southeast Queensland, and more throughout the state’s north.
Red imported fire ants represent Australia’s most dangerous invasive species, with the potential to devastate native ecosystems. The Australian Government has listed Fire Ants as a Key Threatening Process in recognition of the ant’s potential to severely impact Australia’s biodiversity
These aggressive ants:
- Kill native insects, small mammals, reptiles, and ground-nesting birds
- Destroy native ant colonies, disrupting entire food webs
- Attack newborn animals, causing blindness and suffocation through stings around the eyes, mouth, and nose
The 2025 detection patterns show concerning spread despite eradication efforts, with genetic analysis confirming links between Queensland and NSW populations.
2. Feral Cats
Australia has about 1.4 – 5.6 million feral cats, depending on conditions like drought and other natural factors. While exact numbers are hard to pinpoint, Queensland houses a significant number of that population.
Feral cats are the number one native species extinction driver, with recent research revealing the staggering scale of their impact:
- Kill over 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs, and 1.1 billion invertebrates each year
- Predation by cats is a recognised threat to over 200 nationally threatened species and 37 listed migratory species
- Cat predation alone is a factor in the decline of 85% of Australia’s threatened mammals, over 50% of Australia’s threatened birds and reptiles, and 40% of Australia’s threatened frogs
A single feral cat kills 390 mammals, 295 reptiles, and 130 birds every single year. That is equivalent to more than 2 animals every 24 hours.
Despite national efforts to control feral cats, Queensland unexpectedly withdrew from the national threat abatement plan for feral cats in December 2024, leaving a critical gap in coordinated management efforts.
3. Yellow Crazy Ants
These invasive pests are currently fortifying 830 hectares in and around the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest, a World Heritage Site
Yellow crazy ants are among the world’s most destructive invasive species, with the yellow crazy ant listed as one of the world’s top 100 worst invasive species by the IUCN
Their impact on native wildlife is devastating:
- In high numbers, they reduce overall species diversity and abundance by displacing or killing native ant species, preying on arthropods, ground and arboreal vertebrates such as amphibians and birds
- Form “super-colonies” with millions of ants that overwhelm native species
- Spray formic acid to blind and kill prey, including lizards, frogs, small mammals, turtle hatchlings, and bird chicks
- Completely reshape ecosystem dynamics by eliminating key native species
More than 800 hectares of land will be treated by helicopter in Black River as Council takes on the fight against Yellow Crazy Ants. The Townsville infestation has become a critical biosecurity concern, with the Australian Government investing $12.8 million to control the spread of this invasive species in the Townsville region. But this threat is not limited to the northern reaches of the state. Queensland Government has identified these threats in Southeast suburbs such as Kedron, Maryborough, Arundel, Rocklea, Slacks Creek, Wacol, Banyo, Tingalpa, Chermside, Woodridge and Eagle Farm.
4. Fall Armyworm
Fall armyworm has established populations in northern areas of Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, with 2024 seeing unprecedented levels in sorghum crops across Central Queensland. While primarily known as an agricultural pest, fall armyworm’s impact extends beyond crops:
- Feeds on more than 350 plant species, ranging from maize to cotton and vegetables
- Competes with native herbivores for food sources
- Destroys native plant seedlings and regeneration
- 2024 saw the early onset of the fall armyworm season, with additional generations over the summer season, resulting in elevated fall armyworm numbers
Expanding Range: Climate change and mild winters are extending the fall armyworm’s active season and potential range into more southerly regions of Queensland.
5. Common Mynas
Common Myna numbers are growing. They are expanding their range in many places, especially in S.E. Queensland
Growing Impact on Native Birds:
- If they continue to grow, we will see far fewer native birds around our homes, towns and cities
- Aggressively compete with native birds for nesting sites and food
- Listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive species
- Spread mites and diseases that affect native bird populations
What Can You Do?
The window for action is rapidly closing. With invasive species being the primary driver of native species extinction, and populations of key invasive species experiencing explosive growth, 2025 represents a critical juncture for Queensland’s environmental future.
Of course, success largely hinges on cooperation between government, industry, and community. If you detect any of these species in or around your property, report it to the correct authorities. However, due to public frustration regarding wait times for government-run pest initiatives, many property owners have turned to local pest control companies to manage the infestation immediately.
If you want immediate pest control action in the Brisbane region, contact Cure All Pest Control.
