> Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 20:43:25 +1000 > From: "Alan W Stephenson" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [OGD] Bumble Bees > To: "Orchid Digest" <[email protected]> > Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > 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
With a bit of luck the cane toads will eat them. They should be in Tasmania soon. _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
