Malta and Sicily join forces against fire ants

The University of Malta and the University of Catania have launched CRISP, a 30-month Interreg Italy–Malta project aimed at strengthening preparedness against invasive alien species in a changing climate.  

The initiative focuses particularly on the alien red fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), which established an invasive population in Sicily in 2023. Its potential spread threatens biodiversity, agriculture, public health and local economies, making early detection and coordinated prevention essential.

Led by the University of Catania, with the University of Malta (UM) as a key partner, CRISP combines expertise in ecology, entomology and environmental economics.

UM's contribution brings together the Institute of Earth Systems, Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre and Department of Economics, with administrative assistance by the Research Grants Finance Management office. 

Prof. Louis-F. Cassar, UM's Principal Investigator, is developing predictive models to identify areas vulnerable to fire ant establishment and guide targeted surveillance. Particular emphasis will be placed on the potential competition between Solenopsis invicta and Camponotus barbaricus. The latter is the host ant species of the sub-endemic ant-cricket Myrmecophilus baronii, a species listed in the Habitats Directive and confined to the central Mediterranean area (Malta, Pantelleria and northern Tunisia). The project will also strengthen monitoring protocols and upgrade Malta's surveillance and laboratory equipment, alongside establishing a specialised quarantine facility in Sicily.

The Argotti Botanic Gardens & Resource Centre, under Curator Christian Borg, leads awareness-raising activities, encouraging the public to report invasive species sightings.

Prof. Marie Briguglio is contributing expertise in environmental economics and behavioural science, examining public awareness, risk perceptions and willingness to adopt preventive measures.  

Beyond fire ants, CRISP will monitor invasive species and assess their potential impacts on native ecosystems, helping develop appropriate conservation measures.

Through cross-border research, surveillance and community participation, CRISP aims to strengthen Malta and Sicily's ability to prevent biological invasions and protect their shared Mediterranean environment.