The presence of the Asian Hornet has been confirmed for the first time in the Czech Republic, raising concerns about the potential threat it poses to local bee colonies. The Asian Hornet is a non-native invasive species known for its predation on bees.

The hornets were discovered in Plzeň and reported to the Agency for Nature Conservation and Landscape Protection (AOPK ČR). Tomáš Görner from AOPK ČR confirmed the presence of Asian hornets and outlined the next steps, which include locating the nest, enlisting firefighters to eliminate it, and informing local authorities and the public.

The Asian Hornet poses a significant threat to bee colonies as it preys on bees in beehives. The nests of these hornets are typically round to pear-like with a side entrance and are often found high in the crowns of deciduous trees or human structures, occasionally in the ground.

To address this emerging threat, the public is encouraged to report any suspicious findings by emailing invaznidruhy@nature.cz. Providing photographs and detailed descriptions of the insects can help identify Asian Hornets accurately.

Asian hornets have been present in several European countries for several years, with their spread attributed to milder climates. The colder weather in the Czech Republic has likely hindered their presence until now.

European countries like France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom have already faced issues with Asian hornets. These hornets were first recorded on the European continent in 2004 in France and have since spread.

The recent detection of Asian hornets in Hungary near the Slovak border prompted experts to emphasize the importance of immediate nest elimination. Failure to act promptly in the early stages of their presence can lead to their permanent establishment and make eradication more challenging.

While experts cannot definitively predict whether Asian hornets can thrive in Czech conditions, they believe it is unlikely. However, they also caution that changes in temperatures in the coming years could create a more suitable environment for these hornets to adapt to Central European conditions.

The discovery of Asian hornets in the Czech Republic underscores the importance of vigilance and swift action to address invasive species that can have a detrimental impact on local ecosystems and agriculture.

Article by Prague Forum