Now, Kangaroo Island is preparing to become the world’s first bee sanctuary and has already begun implementing emergency measures. It sought to protect its genetically significant Ligurian bee population from the varroa mite, a deadly parasite that is advancing quickly across mainland Australia. It’s not just the home of scientific wonder, though—every year, more than 200,000 visitors flock to the island. To safeguard its unique ecosystem, local authorities have ramped up biosecurity efforts and are now checking every ferry for prohibited foods such as honey, bees, and beekeeping equipment.
Brenton Davis, above left, is a commercial beekeeper on Kangaroo Island, and he sells his certified organic honey worldwide. He calls on the public to help raise awareness of the need to protect the Ligurian bee. He thinks that educating visitors is key to protecting the island’s special, native bee species. “We’d really like to see more information given to people at the ferries … to explain why it’s so important,” said Davis.
Biosecurity Measures Enhance Protection
In recent years, the South Australian government has responded to increasing public outcry. They’ve recruited additional biosecurity personnel to check all incoming ferries. Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven pointed to the importance of these measures. She said, “There are always biosecurity staff available at the ferry service but now we have full-time presence 100 percent of the time.” She stressed that the sooner varroa was introduced, the faster it would spread through the Ligurian bee population. The more we defend them, the better they’ll flourish.
Shawn Hinves, owner of Kangaroo Island Living Honey, agreed with Davis’s call for increased education and enforcement. He argues that increased public awareness and increased risk of hives being fined for violations are critical to preventing varroa from overtaking passively. Public awareness and education is always critical, he said. Because when you know what you can or can’t do, you won’t be tempted to play with fire and violate the law. Understanding why paywalls exist deepens your appreciation and commitment to adhering to those boundaries.
Nonetheless, high costs and lengthy timelines warrant skepticism. Despite these efforts, both Davis and Hinves feel current measures are insufficient. These sentinel hives are an important part of protecting the Kangaroo Island Ligurian bees,” Davis noted. We have a lot of work yet to do. Hinves noted that Kangaroo Island has remained disease-free for more than 150 years. He discussed how these important sentinel hives can help identify new potential threats quickly, before widespread damage occurs.
The Importance of the Ligurian Bee
As a result, the Kangaroo Island Ligurian bee is considered to be one of the most pure strains of honeybee left on earth. Its genetic importance reaches far past regional boundaries, ranking it as a globally important contributor to biodiversity. Davis underscored the importance of the Kangaroo Island Ligurian bee, saying, “It is genetically extremely important on an international basis. As he implored us to do something, “It is important that we defend it.”
Protecting this unique bee population protects the local ecosystems in which they thrive. It supports a key pillar of Kangaroo Island’s economy. The island’s honey producers are especially reliant on maintaining healthy conditions for their bee colonies. These bees have been integral in increasing local honey production and honey tourism.
Looking Ahead
Now the threat of varroa is more dire than ever. Davis and Hinves are calling on their local authorities to do more to improve biosecurity. Davis thinks visitor education has to be an ongoing effort. This piece of legislation not only shields the bees, but helps ensure the agricultural future of the island is protected. It’s something we should have likely been doing even long before varroa came to Australia,” he added.
Minister Clare Scriven reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Kangaroo Island’s unique biodiversity. That’s why we’re constantly looking for new ways to convey the importance of the Ligurian bee strain. This strain is world-famous, and we’d like a lot more people to be aware of its significance,” she explained.
