Malta records first European colony of invasive red dwarf bees

A conservation NGO has alerted authorities that an invasive bee species native to South and Southeast Asia has established a colony in Malta.

The discovery is bad news for local bee species, and authorities are being urged to develop effective eradication measures.

According to the recently published Beekeeping Research Journalthe first established red dwarf bee colony (Bees thrive) The first record in Europe was found in Malta.

Local beekeepers and managers Association for the Protection of Varieties of Origin Thomas Galea made the discovery about 2.5 kilometers from the Birzebbuga free port.

Although the colony he found had been removed, the researcher believes the species could still survive on the island due to its climate and environmental conditions.

Therefore, if the colonies identified by Galea were already established before their removal, or if other unidentified colonies exist, it is likely that the species will colonize the Maltese Islands.

Researchers fear that the establishment of the plants here would pose a serious threat to the local natural biodiversity due to competition for resources and habitats, as the area is home to many endemic species.

In addition, invasive Bees thrive It is a host to many harmful bacteria, including viruses and parasitic mites.

Since some of these pathogens are known to switch hosts, the introduction of this species could pose a real threat to the health of the western honey bee (Honey bee) and wild bees, the researchers noted.

The researchers have alerted the authorities and the beekeeping community about the threat posed by this invasive alien species and urged them to take effective eradication measures.

A beekeeper told Times of Malta The community is particularly concerned about the discovery of this exotic species, fearing that the Italian subspecies will be imported from New Zealand again, leading to ” The local population has dropped sharply disease”.

The red dwarf bee is usually found in mainland Asia – stretching from the Indo-Mariana region in the east to the Persian Gulf in the west.

However, it is reported that it colonized new territories mainly due to human activities such as maritime trade.

Currently, this animal is also found in Taiwan, Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa.