Big Wasp Survey measuring impact of non native species
Fears over the impact of invasive Asian hornets on the survival of wasps in the UK is being assessed in a study being mounted by the University of Gloucestershire.
It’s asking ‘citizen scientists’ to monitor ‘the abundance, diversity and distribution of wasps in the UK.’
The research team say that Asian hornets do not pose any greater threat to us than existing hornets but there is concern for their impact on native species as their diet includes bees and wasps which play a crucial role as pollinators.
The Big Wasp survey is being run until 11 August before restarting at the end of the month. The long-term research is being carried out by Professor Adam Hart at the University of Gloucestershire and Professor Seirian Sumner from UCL.
Last year’s survey enabled them to conduct the first large-scale genetic analysis of the Common Wasp thanks to data and samples provided by thousands of citizen scientists from across the UK.
‘With invasive Asian hornets spreading across Europe and on the rise in the UK, many people are very concerned about their impact on our native pollinators such as bees and wasps,’ says Adam Hart, Professor of Science Communication at the University.
‘Bees and wasps play an important role as pollinators – transferring pollen as they visit flowers to drink nectar – while wasps also help to control the numbers of potential pests, such as greenfly and many caterpillars, to protect crops and our gardens.’
An opportunity for ‘citizen scientists’ to contribute to research
‘The Big Wasp Survey is an opportunity for citizen scientists to contribute to UK-wide research around wasps through recording sightings while at the same time being on the frontline of monitoring the spread of Asian hornets.’
‘It’s really simple to get involved in the Big Wasp Survey, but the findings could make an important contribution to what we know already about wasps, and potentially find out more about the presence of invasive Asian hornets.’
‘If our citizen scientists catch or see an Asian hornet, they will support the work being done to ensure they don’t establish themselves in the UK by reporting it to the Non-Native Species Secretariat.’
This summer has also seen leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation revealing very low numbers of butterflies being spotted during their annual Big Butterfly Count.
On average participants are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they were spotting this time last year.
