Over 800,000 Bees Stolen in Far North Queensland: A Sophisticated Operation
An estimated 800,000 bees, valued at tens of thousands of dollars, have been stolen from properties in far north Queensland, causing distress for local beekeepers and potentially devastating impacts on their pollination contracts.
The theft comes at a time when the beekeeping industry in the region is already facing challenges from the recent arrival of the varroa mite parasite. Apiarists will not only lose the insects themselves but also the value of their pollination contracts, which can reach thousands of dollars.
Authorities are investigating the sophisticated operation that targeted bee colonies, raising concerns about potential implications for local agriculture and food production.
- Far north Queensland beekeepers are facing a devastating blow as over 800,000 bees have been stolen from properties.
- The theft comes at a time when the beekeeping industry is struggling with the arrival of the varroa mite parasite.
- Pollination contracts worth thousands of dollars are also lost for the affected apiarists.
- Authorities are investigating the sophisticated operation, raising concerns about agriculture and food production.
The beekeeping community is urging for increased security measures to protect their valuable assets and the ecosystem services they provide.
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<small>Source: The Guardian — read the original story there.</small>
