Andorran Beekeepers Urged to Coexist with Invasive Asian Hornet
The Asian hornet has permanently established in Andorra, forcing beekeepers to abandon eradication efforts and adapt to its presence amid threats to.
Key Points
- The Asian hornet has permanently established in Andorra, forcing beekeepers to abandon eradication efforts and adapt to its presence amid threats to native bees and honey production.
Andorran beekeepers must learn to live with the Asian hornet, as the invasive species has established itself permanently in the country, according to Ferran Teixidó, head of the beekeepers' association.
In an interview published today by *Diari d'Andorra*, Teixidó likened the hornet's arrival to the enduring presence of YouTubers and influencers in modern society, signalling that eradication efforts have failed and coexistence is now the only option.
The Asian hornet (*Vespa velutina*), first detected in Andorra several years ago, has spread widely across the Principality and neighbouring regions. It poses a significant threat to native bee populations by preying on hives, disrupting pollination and honey production.
Teixidó's comments underscore growing resignation among local apiarists, who have battled the pest through trapping and monitoring programmes coordinated with agricultural authorities. Despite these measures, the hornet's rapid reproduction and adaptability have ensured its foothold.
No official timeline for full adaptation strategies has been announced, but experts emphasise the need for ongoing vigilance to protect biodiversity and the beekeeping sector, a key part of Andorra's rural economy.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: