Alert for Environmentalists and Beekeepers: The Asian Hornet Threat in Scotland

Alert for Environmentalists and Beekeepers: The Asian Hornet Threat in Scotland

In the shadow of ongoing efforts to bolster the health of honeybees—Scotland's crucial pollinators—a looming threat emerges from the yellow-legged Asian Hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax). This invasive species, originating from Northern India, China, and Southeast Asia, is known for its aggressive predation on honeybees and other pollinating insects. With the Scottish Government's second 10-year Honey Bee Health Strategy underway, the introduction of this predator poses significant challenges.

The Predatory Hornet's Threat

• Aggressive Nature: The Asian Hornet preys on honeybees and other pollinators, jeopardizing ecosystems and agriculture.
• Invasion Concerns: Efforts are being made to prevent the establishment of the Asian Hornet in the UK, with contingency plans developed for eradication.

Efforts to Counteract

• Strategic Planning: Under the Bee Health Improvement Partnership, a comprehensive strategy has been devised, addressing not only the Asian Hornet but other threats such as the Varroa mite.
• Community Engagement: The public is urged to report any sightings of the Asian Hornet through the Asian Hornet Watch App, a pivotal tool in monitoring and responding to incursions.

FAQs

1. Why is the Asian Hornet a concern? Its predatory behavior towards honeybees and other pollinators can have devastating impacts on biodiversity and agriculture.

2. What can I do if I spot an Asian Hornet? Use the Asian Hornet Watch App to report sightings, aiding in rapid response and containment efforts.

3. Are there confirmed sightings in Scotland? To date, there have been no confirmed sightings of the Asian Hornet in Scotland, with the nearest occurrence in Yorkshire, England.

4. How are Varroa mites related to the Asian Hornet threat? While a separate issue, the Varroa mite's impact on bee colonies underscores the myriad challenges facing bee health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive vigilance and action.

#BeeHealth #AsianHornet #EnvironmentalConservation #PollinatorProtection #ScotlandBees

 

• The Scottish Government is actively working on its second 10-year plan aimed at improving the health of honeybees, vital pollinators for wildflowers and gardens.
• A warning has been issued about the yellow-legged Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), a non-native species from Northern India and other parts of Asia, known for aggressively preying on honeybees and other pollinators.
• Scottish Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie emphasized efforts to develop a Contingency Plan to eradicate this predatory hornet before it can establish itself in the UK.
• The Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) has included strategies to combat the Asian Hornet in its first annual report, alongside addressing other threats like the Varroa mite, which damages bee colonies by feeding on larvae, pupae, and adult bees.
• Efforts to control the Varroa mite include sharing maps with beekeepers to highlight areas, especially nature reserves, where special care is needed to prevent its spread.
• There have been no confirmed sightings of the Asian Hornet in Scotland, with the furthest north sighting in Yorkshire, England.
• The public is encouraged to report sightings through the Asian Hornet Watch App, with the Great British Non-Native Species Secretariat coordinating responses to invasive species.