Jersey plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of Asian hornets in the UK, according to researchers.
Dr. Thomas O’Shea-Wheller of the University of Exeter described Jersey as an “ideal sandbox” for testing detection and eradication systems.
This approach, part of an EU-funded study led by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) in collaboration with the university, has so far successfully halted the insect’s spread in the UK.
Dr O’Shea-Wheller said: “Both the Government of Jersey and Jersey Asian Hornet Group were essential in allowing us to test our system with live hornets in the field.”
He said: “I also believe that Jersey has provided substantial expertise and training to teams from the UK, thus supporting efforts to detect and eradicate nests.
“Jersey is something of an ideal sandbox, since they have plentiful Asian hornets, and a wealth of expertise relating to their tracking and control.”
Asian hornets, which are non-native, were first reported in the UK in 2016, with sightings continuing annually. In 2024 alone, 44 records were noted, primarily in Kent and East Sussex.
Lead study author Dr Richard Hassall, of the UKCEH, said: “No significant spread has yet been reported in the UK while there has been recent establishments in Germany and the Netherlands.”
“Our predictions suggest that the attempts to tackle the yellow-legged hornet [Asian hornet] in these countries [the UK] have so far been successful in limiting its spread.
“This is due to the fantastic efforts by vigilant members of the public who report suspected sightings of yellow-legged hornets, then rapid action by the authorities to locate and eradicate the insects and nests found.”
The species, already well-established in Jersey, poses a significant threat to pollinators, with individual hornets capable of killing up to 50 bees daily.
The study identified regions across Europe, including France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, and parts of the UK, as having climates and habitats highly suitable for the hornets.
By December 2023, the species had established populations in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Jersey.
Without intervention, the hornet could have occupied at least 1,680 square kilometres (650 square miles) of the UK by 2020.
By 2026, experts predicted the hornet might have spread across 44-66% of suitable areas in the UK. However, thanks to surveillance and rapid eradication efforts, no widespread establishment has occurred despite sightings.
The study, published in the British Ecological Society’s Journal of Applied Ecology, emphasised the effectiveness of these measures in limiting the hornet’s spread. It highlights the importance of continued vigilance to protect ecosystems and native pollinators.
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