Abstract

QUEIROZ, Ana Isabel  and  ALVES, Daniel. Local responses to a global invasive species.: Varying reasons for controlling the Argentine ant in the Madeira archipelago (1850-2014). e-JPH [online]. 2016, vol.14, n.2, pp.72-92. ISSN 1645-6432.

The Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile Mayr) has been present in Madeira since the mid-nineteenth century, when its first occurrence outside the Neotropical Region was recorded. The varying ideas and responses over time to the impacts of this invasive alien species constitute the argument of this historical narrative, based on scientific publications, travel books and diaries, official documents and newspapers. Different reasons have justified the various control measures implemented in the course of repeated outbreaks. This species has long been perceived as an urban and plant pest. Recently, at the local level, it has been considered a threat to the native biodiversity

Keywords : Environmental History; Societal Responses; Argentine Ant; Invasive Species; Madeira.

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