Kangaroo Island’s gorgeous scenery and unique ecosystems are now threatened by invasive feral animals. It’s home to the world’s final authentic lineage of Ligurian bees. These bees were introduced to the island in 1884. Today, they are an indispensable economic and environmental asset to the region, particularly in sustaining a strong tourism economy. Yet the arrival of the Varroa mite still represents the biggest threat to these bees. This threat threatens their existence and threatens the commercial viability of beekeepers on the island.
The Varroa mite is one of the most damaging invasive species affecting the U.S. agricultural economy. That’s enough time for it to wipe out an entire hive in three to four years. This nonnative pest bores into bees and consumes their fat stores. In doing so, it literally breaks them down and makes them more susceptible to disease. Threats to bee populations are on the rise. The immediate response has been for local beekeepers and industry leaders to call for tougher biosecurity controls to protect Kangaroo Island’s Ligurian bees.
The Importance of Ligurian Bees
Locally bred Ligurian bees, known for their docility and work ethic, contribute more than $165 million into Kangaroo Island’s tourism industry. Visitors continue to rush to the island, dazzled by its spectacular natural beauty. They are looking forward to sampling the island’s unique honey products crafted by resident pollinators. Bev Nolan of Clifford’s Honey Farm emphasizes the significance of these bees, stating that “the Ligurian bees are a really big tourist story.”
Only five or six commercial beekeepers and about 100 hobbyists look after the Ligurian bee hives —that all-honey-colored bees from the Italian Riviera—on Kangaroo Island. Yet even an incremental threat to this population could have profound impacts. The intertwined nature of the beekeeping industry and local tourism underlines the importance and urgency to address the Varroa mite crisis.
“It’s also important for the world to have honey bees that are nice and calm and hardworking and isolated from pests and diseases as well.” – Bev Nolan
As more and more people learn just how endangered these bees are, local beekeepers are rightfully worried about their future. Brian Morrison is an extremely committed commercial beekeeper on Kangaroo Island. If everything stays the same, he is truly worried about the long-term sustainability of his business in today’s environment.
“I am very, very concerned that it’s not being taken seriously by the government,” – Brian Morrison
The Threat of Varroa Mite
The Varroa mite is always a looming threat, slowly destroying bee populations across the globe. This is of particular alarm for Kangaroo Island’s unique Ligurian bees. Beekeepers argue that if the locality doesn’t act soon, the mite will wipe out their local hives.
Mr Hinves, an experienced apiarist, said he was disappointed that the Federal Government had not done more to reduce biosecurity risks presented by the mite. Lack of aggressive regulation and oversight have put beekeepers at risk, he argues.
“But if they’re serious about biosecurity and protecting beekeepers, the food industry, and everything that wraps around it, then they need … to have more regulation, more rules, higher monitoring,” – Shawn Hinves
The Varroa mite crisis is exacerbated by a complex web of additional environmental stressors. The 2019/2020 bushfires destroyed over half of Kangaroo Island. They obliterated Ligurian bee hives, doubling down on their decline during a pivotal period when these bees are already under siege.
In September 2023, officials ceased attempts to eradicate the Varroa mite from Australia. This recent decision has many in the beekeeping world truly afraid for the future.
“It’s very frustrating … if the end game is just to get Australia infected and just deal with it that way, then that’s just how they’re gonna do it,” – Shawn Hinves
Calls for Action
Local leaders are calling on the federal government to act quickly to protect Kangaroo Island’s Ligurian bees. Brenton Davis, president of the South Australian Apiarists Association, makes an urgent case that this population is of global importance. He argues for its protection, including against invasive threats such as the Varroa mite.
“It’s an internationally-significant population and very much needs to be protected,” – Brenton Davis
To shore up our defenses against future infestations, Davis says we need tougher biosecurity measures. He claims that no used bee equipment or honey products should be allowed onto the island without intensive quarantine and inspections.
“No used bee equipment can go to the island, no honey products can go to the island, no hives can go to the island,” – Clare Scriven
Local stakeholders are making news and raising awareness about the crisis. Through this work, they aim to increase levels of government appreciation and support, and resources, to help protect Kangaroo Island’s unique Ligurian bee population.
