Members of the public are being urged by the Scottish government
to notify experts if they think they see a non-native hornet
species.
Yellow-legged Asian hornets (Vespa velutina
nigrithorax) are a non-native invasive species which
are aggressive predators of several species, including honey bees
and other pollinators.
Plans for dealing with sightings of the hornet – native to
Northern India, China, the Indo-Chinese peninsula and the
Indonesian archipelago – are included in the first annual report
of the Bee Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP).
The Report also showed positive steps in tracking cases of Varroa
mites which pose the biggest threat to honey bee colonies in
Scotland.
A map showing the spread of the parasite, and highlighting areas
where the mite has not been reported, such as the islands
of Colonsay and Oronsay, which are nature reserves
for Apis mellifera mellifera (Amm, Black Bee), was
shared with beekeepers across the country to highlight where
particular care is needed in order to prevent spread of the
parasite into these areas.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:
“I am delighted to see the progress made by the Bee Health
Improvement Partnership to help deliver our second 10-year
Scottish Government Honey Bee Health Strategy.
“By developing a Contingency Plan to address any Asian hornet
incursion in Scotland, we are well prepared to tackle and
eradicate the insect before it has an opportunity to establish.
"We cannot underestimate the devastating impact this non-native
predator has on honey bees and other insects, including important
pollinators, and I urge people to be aware of what to look for
and report any potential sightings.”
Background
While there has been no confirmed Asian hornet sighting in
Scotland, last year saw a significant increase in England,
including as far north as Yorkshire.
The Asian Hornet Contingency Plan will ensure that any incursion
is dealt with swiftly by Scottish Government Honey Bee Inspectors
who would confirm the sighting and then take steps to find,
destroy and remove nests.
Members of the public can report suspect sightings of Asian
hornets to the Great British Non-Native Species Secretariat
(NNSS), which has responsibility for helping to coordinate the
approach to invasive non-native species in Great Britain.
Sightings should be reported through the free Asian Hornet
Watch App, available for Android and iPhone.
Other methods of reporting the hornet also include using the
NNSS online notification
form or emailing alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with
the location of the sighting and a description of the insect seen
and a photograph if it is safe to take.
Asian
hornet Contingency Plan
Bee
Health Improvement Partnership (BHIP) report
