Key Takeaways:
- Earring-sized transmitters are being used to track worker hornets in Auckland’s war on the invasive yellow-legged hornet pest
- The technology, imported from the Netherlands, has been successful in locating nests and destroying them
- Biosecurity New Zealand has found 43 queen hornets and hundreds of workers in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas since October last year
- The operation has cost between $2m and $3m, with the highest cost being staffing and engagement of over 575 beekeepers
- The public is encouraged to report any suspected sightings of yellow-legged hornets online or by calling the Biosecurity NZ hotline
Introduction to the Problem
The invasive yellow-legged hornet is a significant biosecurity concern in New Zealand, posing a threat to local honey and wild bee populations. To combat this issue, Biosecurity New Zealand has been using innovative technology to track and destroy the hornet nests. The latest approach involves attaching earring-sized transmitters to worker hornets, which has proven to be successful in locating and eradicating the nests. Since October last year, 43 queen hornets have been found in the Glenfield and Birkdale areas on Auckland’s North Shore, highlighting the need for continued efforts to eliminate the pest.
The Technology Used
The transmitters, weighing less than 160mg, are attached to worker hornets that are lured to feeding stations. The signals from the transmitters are then used to track the flight path of the workers back to their nests. Additionally, thermal drones are being used to pinpoint the location of the nests and assess the population size. This combination of technologies has enabled Biosecurity New Zealand to destroy hundreds of workers and three hornet nests in the past three weeks. The success of this approach is a significant step forward in the war against the invasive yellow-legged hornet.
International Expertise
To further enhance the eradication efforts, two specialists from the United Kingdom have arrived in New Zealand. They bring valuable experience in managing yellow-legged hornets, having dealt with incursions in Europe every summer. Their expertise will be instrumental in providing advice on how to use the technology to find secondary nests, particularly in taller trees, and how to deal with them effectively. The specialists will be working closely with Biosecurity New Zealand staff, sharing their knowledge and experience to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Cost of Eradication
The hornet eradication operation has come at a significant cost, with between $2m and $3m spent so far. The highest cost has been staffing, with over 575 beekeepers engaged in an 11km search zone. Additionally, up to 170 staff are involved in the response at any given time, including entomologists, contractors, and staff answering notifications from the public. While the investment is substantial, it is considered essential to ensure the eradication of the hornet and protect New Zealand’s honey and wild bee populations.
Public Engagement
Biosecurity New Zealand is encouraging the public to report any suspected sightings of yellow-legged hornets, located nests, or taken clear photos. The public can report online at report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling the Biosecurity NZ hotline on 0800 809 966. With almost 10,000 reports of possible sightings this summer, public engagement is crucial in helping to locate and destroy the hornet nests. By working together, Biosecurity New Zealand and the public can help ensure the eradication of the invasive yellow-legged hornet and protect New Zealand’s ecosystem.
Conclusion
The use of earring-sized transmitters to track worker hornets is a significant step forward in the war against the invasive yellow-legged hornet. With the help of international expertise and public engagement, Biosecurity New Zealand is making progress in locating and destroying the hornet nests. While the cost of eradication is substantial, it is essential to protect New Zealand’s honey and wild bee populations. As the operation continues, it is likely that the combination of technology, expertise, and public engagement will ultimately lead to the successful eradication of the invasive yellow-legged hornet.