Red alert: hornets and invasive species threaten our nature!

Red alert: hornets and invasive species threaten our nature!

Many things in nature look harmless at first glance, but upon closer inspection you may be surprised at how dangerous they actually are. The current issue in Cologne is invasive animal species that not only endanger our local ecosystems, but also put agriculture and beekeeping under pressure. This is reported by the Mirror, which refers to the warnings from the German Beekeepers Association from last year.

Particular attention is paid to the Asian hornet, which was spotted for the first time in Germany in Hamburg at the end of 2024. This species, originally native to India and parts of China, is aggressive towards native bees and could lead to a decline in their populations. In France, similar outbreaks have already caused serious problems for beekeeping, with numerous reports of attacks on humans by these hornets, some of which resulted in critical health conditions.

The dangers for agriculture

However, the risks posed by invasive species are not limited to beekeeping. Significant damage to fruit and wine production was recently discovered in Galicia and Portugal. The Asian hornet is not only causing a decline in bee populations, but it is also threatening other native insect species that are already under pressure. There is therefore an urgent need for regional action to reduce the negative effects of invasive species such as World Biodiversity Council IPBES highlighted in a recent report.

In addition, the uncontrolled spread of the rock oyster in the North Sea is shocking. This originally Pacific species poses a significant threat to native bird species because their hard shell cannot be cracked. It could be an economic advantage for fishermen, but the ecological consequences cannot be underestimated.

Climate change and globalization as accelerant

Environmental scientists also warn that globalization and climate change are creating conditions in which invasive species can spread even faster. Exotic mosquito species are already an example of how warmer winters promote this process. However, not only research is needed, but also coordinated actions by authorities to manage the risk of invasive species - prevention is the best approach, emphasize the experts.

The situation is therefore more than worrying. To protect native ecosystems and preserve our agriculture, everyone involved must pull together so that we are not overrun by the takeover of invasive species. The debate about the right strategy has begun, but the people are called upon to get involved and draw attention to the dangers.