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Despite the original release of Bombus
terrestris (European Bumblebee) into Tasmania in 1988 being illegal, a new
proposal is under consideration to also introduce it to mainland
Australia. This species was originally considered for the Green house Tomato
industry to increase pollination rates but despite permission being denied by
government agencies, it managed to escape and has now spread throughout
Tasmania. It has colonised all manner of habitats from sea level to 1260 metres
and rainfall areas from 600 mm to 3200 mm when the latter was considered
significantly greater than any normal European average. It is also found in
World Heritage areas and National Parks and studies have determined it forages
for food over a longer period than Australian native insects. As this creature
is much larger than native species, more aggressive and is not particular what
it pollinates it appears Tasmania might be in for some serious hybridisation of
its vegetation and obviously many orchid species. The mind boggles at the damage
this bee might cause as it spreads at a rate of 25km per year. Any possible
agricultural benefit will certainly be outweighed by reparation costs
as introduced weed species already costs Australia $3.3 Billion each year
in control and lost production. Being almost at the end of the Earth has not
made Australia immune from northern hemisphere pests.
Alan W Stephenson
National Conservation Officer
Australasian Native Orchid
Society
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