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The Samoan islands of Nuutele and Nuulua from part of the Aleipata Marine Protected Area, in recognition of their contribution to biological diversity in Samoa. In a 1986 review of 226 islands in the South Pacific region, these islands together rated 30th in importance for biological diversity. The islands provide essential habitat for a reange of sea birds, bats and land birds such as the rare friendly ground dove, sea turtles, shell fish and other marine life. Human access to Nuutele and especially Nuulua is difficult and this has, in part facilitated the preservation of this habitat to date. In a recent field trip to Nuulua in 2003, the forest floor and vegetation appeared covered in fast moving ants which were later identified as Yellow Crazy Ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes), an invasive ant species with a pan-tropical distribution. These ants had previously not been observed on this island, and it was therefore presumed to have been a recent arrival. This report outlines an investigation of this biological invasive and provides options for managing Yellow Crazy Ants on Nuulua.

1. During a recent survey around Upolu, Savaii and Nuutele the Yellow Crazy Ant was both observed and collected as samples in different locations. 2. The field survey reveals the extend distribution of the Yellow Crazy Ant through out Samoa. 3. 11 sites were visited in Savaii and 12 in Upolu and 1 in Nuutele; no survey was done on Nuulua due to weather conditions. On Upolu and Savaii the sites were located approximately 15km around the island. One or two sites or stations fall inland. 4. Potential sites for experimentations were also been identify during the survey. Sites which were heavily infested by the Yellow Crazy Ant.