Asian hornets are moving further north, posing a significant threat to indigenous bee species, according to experts. The UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer, Nicola Spence, has urged beekeepers and the public to be vigilant following record sightings of Asian hornets in Britain last year.
These invasive insects, which can consume up to 50 honey bees a day, have been spotted in the UK during the summer after flying in from France. However, recent reports suggest that they may have survived the winter in Britain.
The National Bee Unit reported that an Asian hornet trapped in Four Oaks, Kent, genetically matched those from a nest in Rye, East Sussex, which was destroyed in November 2023. This indicates that the hornets found in Four Oaks are offspring of the nest destroyed in Rye.
While Asian hornets pose no direct threat to humans, they are a danger to native species. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has encouraged the public to report sightings of these hornets through the Asian Hornet Watch app.
It is important to note that Asian hornets should not be confused with the Asian giant hornet, often referred to as the murder hornet. Defra emphasized the importance of eradicating Asian hornets in the UK, as they pose a risk to pollinators crucial for British agriculture and horticulture.
The British Bee Keepers Association is actively searching for nests in Kent, East Sussex, Surrey, and London to prevent the production of new queens. The warning about invasive species comes as the Wildlife and Countryside Link expresses concerns about non-native species gaining a foothold in the UK due to rising temperatures.
Invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, can cause significant damage to the environment and economy. The Wildlife and Countryside Link highlighted the possible migration of other invasive species from mainland Europe, including the red imported fire ant, Chinese mitten crab, and Chinese mystery snail.
The organization urged the government to take action to address the threat of invasive species, which cost billions of pounds in damage annually. The government’s support for the invasive species inspectorate and commitment to detecting, protecting, and eradicating invasive species are essential in safeguarding the nation’s biodiversity.
With a general election approaching, conservation groups are calling for increased support to combat invasive species and protect the environment. It is crucial to invest in strategies that halt the decline of nature and create a more resilient economy.
In conclusion, invasive species pose a significant threat to the UK environment and economy. By working together with the public, land managers, and businesses, we can effectively detect, protect, and eradicate these threats to safeguard our native biodiversity.
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