The Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (INCF) said today that, until now, the presence of the wasp was not found in Portugal, an invasive species from Asia that has already been found in Asturias, Spain.
In written response to a request for clarification from the Lusa agency regarding a study carried out by the University of Oviedo, which presents the first European record [quatro exemplares] regarding the presence of the mourning wasp in the municipality of Siero, in Asturias, the ICNF says that it is “actively monitoring, which is defined in the Action Plan for the Surveillance and Control of the velvet wasp [também conhecida como vespa asiática] in Portugal”.
The Beekeeping Association of Entre Minho e Lima (APIMIL) today asked national authorities to take “concrete and well-directed actions” against the threat of a new wasp invasion, which is more dangerous than the Asian one.
The president of APIMIL, Alberto Dias, said that although there is no record of the presence of the wasp of grief in Portugal, the “proximity” of Alto Minho should be to Galicia, where the species has not yet been detected, “in progress. the red lights and call the bells, so as not to repeat the “plague” Asian wasp.
The ICNF guarantees that attention will be paid to the possible appearance of this species in the national territory and it is already alerting municipal entities to the possible appearance of this species, as well as the wasp orientalis, whose presence is increasing in the south of Spain”.
According to the study, which Lusa consulted today, the sad wasp could have been “in its padding, during winter”, in the transport of goods.
The species has a “very large” head and is “an aggressive predator that preys on invertebrates of various sizes, including butterflies, dragonflies, praying mantises and grasshoppers, as well as other wasps and even small vertebrates such as geckos “.
The sad wasp “can cause problems in the health sector, because the sting is very painful and causes long-term effects, probably because it has a strong venom.”
“Our preliminary results raise concerns about the potential threat of the wasp to human health and ecosystem dynamics, as it is a very predatory species for other insects and even small vertebrates”, said researchers from the University of Oviedo.
The study highlights that ”the stinging wasp may have an increased cumulative impact and even a public health effect already induced by the velutina wasp in the northern region of the Iberian Peninsula, where the velutina wasp is widely invasive”.
The Asian wasp entered Europe through the port of Bordeaux, France, in 2004 and arrived in Portugal, from Alto Minho, in 2011.
How have previous invasive species impacts in Europe informed current strategies for dealing with potential threats like the mourning wasp?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Dr. Maria Silva, Entomologist and Biodiversity Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Silva! We appreciate you joining us to discuss an intriguing and concerning development in the realm of biodiversity: the potential invasion of the mourning wasp in Portugal.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important topic.
Editor: Recent reports indicate that the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (INCF) is now on alert after a study revealed the first European record of the mourning wasp in Asturias, Spain. Why should we be concerned about this invasive species?
Dr. Silva: The mourning wasp, or Mourning Wasp (Polistes), poses a significant threat to local ecosystems, particularly because it can disrupt the balance of native species. Its aggressive behavior and predation on beneficial insects, such as honeybees, could lead to a ripple effect impacting pollination and agriculture.
Editor: That’s certainly alarming. The INCF mentioned they are actively monitoring this situation and have an Action Plan in place. How effective do you think this plan can be in preventing the wasp from entering Portugal?
Dr. Silva: Monitoring is crucial, but it’s only part of the solution. The effectiveness of the Action Plan will depend on timely responses and the implementation of preventive measures, such as public awareness campaigns and collaborations with local beekeepers. The key is to act before the wasp establishes a population.
Editor: Speaking of local beekeepers, we saw that the Beekeeping Association of Entre Minho e Lima (APIMIL) is already sounding alarms. How important is it for local communities to be involved in monitoring and reporting?
Dr. Silva: Involvement from local communities is essential. Beekeepers, in particular, are on the front lines and can serve as crucial indicators of ecological changes. Their experience allows them to notice unusual insect activity early on. Engagement in workshops and training can empower them to identify invasive species and report them swiftly.
Editor: There seems to be a sense of urgency given the proximity to Galicia, where the mourning wasp has not yet been detected. Is there a history of other invasive species that we can learn from in this context?
Dr. Silva: Absolutely. The Asian hornet is a prime example; its spread through Europe has been a wake-up call. Examining the pathways that led to its establishment can guide us in preventing the mourning wasp’s encroachment. Understanding transport routes and environmental factors can help implement stricter controls and point to vulnerable areas.
Editor: What kind of “concrete and well-directed actions” should authorities be considering to mitigate this threat?
Dr. Silva: Authorities should invest in surveillance tools, such as traps and trained personnel, to monitor high-risk areas. Additionally, enhancing public education about invasive species, involving citizens in tracking, and increasing funding for ecological studies will make a tremendous difference. Early action is our best defense against an invasion.
Editor: It’s clear that invasive species have far-reaching consequences. What is your message to the public regarding this potential issue?
Dr. Silva: My message would be to stay informed and vigilant. Report any sightings of unusual wasp behavior and participate in local conservation efforts. Biodiversity is essential for a healthy environment, and protecting it requires collective action from all of us.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Silva, for shedding light on this urgent issue. We hope that your insights will motivate both authorities and communities to take proactive measures.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for the best as we navigate these challenges together.