Asian hornets threatens Lower Saxony: beekeepers on alert!

Asian hornets threatens Lower Saxony: beekeepers on alert!

Niedersachsen, Deutschland - The invasive Asian hornets, more precisely the species Vespa Velutina, has increasingly caused excitement since its first proof in Lower Saxony in 2023. In the following year 2024, the Lower Saxony State Operation for Water Management, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN) already received over 100 visual reports. This not only makes beekeepers in the region nervous, but also raises questions about the security of our domestic honeybees. The concern is not unfounded because the hornet is known to hunt bees and other insects.

In order to tackle the problem urgently, the environmental and agricultural ministry invited representatives of the beekeeping associations and the Institute for Beekunde to exchange information. Here it became clear that the hornets are not only a challenge for the beekeepers, but also for biodiversity as a whole. Vespa Velutina has spread since 2014 and has been recorded on the EU list of invasive species since 2016. However, a complete elimination of the hornets seems illusory, which is why prevention and the public information now play a major role. The NLWKN appeals to beekeepers to report sightings and nests in order to be able to take appropriate management measures in order to better control the situation.

management measures and public participation

A crucial point in combating invasive species such as the Asian hornets are the management measures that are determined on the basis of EU regulation No. 1143/2014. These rules of how the Member States have to react to the increase in such species in order to minimize effects on biodiversity, human health and economy. The public has the opportunity to actively participate in the preparation and revision of these measures. There have already been several style -forming time windows for comment, and the next option is available between October 9 and December 11, 2023. During this time, objections can be submitted to influence future strategies. For the next round, this affects other types such as the water salad (Pistia Straiotes).

The alarming spread of the Asian hornets is part of a major problem. In Germany there are estimated around 900 established neobiota species, which corresponds to about 1% of the 74,000 species. The largest group among these neobiota makes up plants (neophytes), followed by invertebrates and vertebrates (neozoen). The increasing number of invasive species is closely related to the increase in global trade and traffic in the past 170 years. Many of these species are insufficiently recorded, especially lower plants and fungi.

beekeeping associations emphasize that there is no reason to panic. Reports of alleged “killer hornings” could not be confirmed by scientific studies. Rather, hornets, as well as honeybees, mainly sting. The unity that prevails among those involved is clear: the Asian hornets in Lower Saxony can no longer be eliminated, which is why a factual and fact -based handling of the situation is the main challenge. We are all asked to master this challenge together.

The next steps are imminent, and the community is due to the community to offer the right support so that beekeepers and the environment are strengthened in mutual coexistence. In this sense, it remains exciting to see how the strategy around Vespa will develop and what role the population plays.

Find out more about the situation and actively help: Messages about sightings are possible via an official platform or directly to the NLWKN. Let us work together to protect our nature and the domestic fauna.