Asian hornets’ nest located in Cork after tiny trackers were fixed to the insects
Authorities in County Cork, Ireland, successfully located an Asian hornet nest using miniature tracking devices attached to the insects. The operation was part of an urgent effort to protect native honeybee populations from the invasive species.
Why it matters
The successful use of tracking technology highlights new methods for managing invasive species and protecting local biodiversity.
An Asian hornets’ nest has been located in Co Cork by way of miniature tracking devices that were attached to some of the insects.
The operation, spearheaded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), followed the recent discovery of two of the insects. The Asian hornet is an invasive species that poses a significant threat to native Irish honeybees.
The discovery was made following reports of Asian hornets in the area. The nest was located near Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, and will now be removed. Monitoring will continue to identify any further activity.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said efforts had been escalated following the successful capture of a second Asian hornet in Ringaskiddy, close to the area where a member of the public had photographed another one last week.
At the time, O’Sullivan called for renewed public vigilance following the discovery.
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