Invasion of Vespa velutina in Mallorca island (the Balearic Islands, Spain): a multidisciplinary approach for the management of this invasive alien species

Abstract

The invasion of Vespa velutina poses significant impacts on biodiversity and the economy. This article describes the strategies implemented on the island of Mallorca for the detection, control, and eradication of this invasive species over a nine-year period. The plan integrated citizen science and trapping for the detection, location, and mechanical destruction of nests, and genetic analysis and ecological modelling to identify the number of introductions and risk areas. Its early detection and management led to its eradication, making it the first European territory to eradicate it. Genotyped individuals determined that there were two independent introductions into Mallorca, populations that could establish themself in the northwest of the island. Subsequently, an early detection and rapid response system was established, incorporating a trapping network in high-risk areas. The knowledge gained from this study may inform future management practices for V. velutina in similar ecological contexts.