Vol. 77 (2) 2025

ARTICLES

Invasive Fire Ants Potential Area of Distribution in the South-Eastern Balkans by 2050

Vera Antonova1*, Valko Biserkov2

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*1Department of Animal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy
of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria. *Corresponding author E-mail: vera_antonova@yahoo.com;
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3210-5264
2Department of Ecosystem Research, Environmental Risk Assessment and Conservation Biology, Institute of Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Street, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; E-mail: v@biserkov.com;
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4939-6789

https://doi.org/10.71424/azb77.2.002826

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Abstract

In August 2022 four fire ant species were included in the list of Invasive Alien Species of European Union concern. These species are venomous, stinging pests that are dangerous for human health in the invaded countries and have profound adverse impacts on the native biodiversity as well. Although they are not currently present in Bulgaria, there is a high risk of being introduced and becoming established. Our study outlines the potential Bulgarian territory and adjacent regions which may be affected by two of the fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and Wasmannia auropunctata) by 2050. Digital maps of their potential spread are made in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. In accordance with our results and the extremely expensive fight against these pests, we give concrete recommendations to Bulgarian national institutions for preventing the potential invasion.

Key words

alien species, Bulgaria, climatic changes, GIS, pathways

How to Cite
Antonova V., Biserkov V. 2025. Invasive Fire Ants Potential Area of Distribution in the South-Eastern Balkans by 2050. Acta zoologica bulgarica 77 (2): 179-187.

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