This took place towards the end of Invasive Species Week, which was organised by the NCA CR.
"The eradication of Asian hornet nests requires specialised equipment, experience, and close cooperation among all involved forces. The concluded agreement sets out clear rules for communication and coordination between firefighters and conservationists, thanks to which we will be able to respond quickly and effectively. Our joint goal is to limit the spread of this invasive species, thereby protecting both nature and the public," says the Director General of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, Lieutenant General Vladimír Vlček.

"The key is the swift eradication of Asian hornet nests, which pose a threat to bee colonies and wild pollinators alike. Therefore, we have now established rules with the firefighters for mutual information sharing and communication. Signing the agreement at the end of Invasive Species Week, which highlighted these issues through a series of events, is literally symbolic," adds František Pelc, Director of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic.

Characteristics of the Asian Hornet

The Asian hornet is slightly smaller than our native European hornet, is darker, and can be safely identified by its yellow-tipped legs. This hornet is dangerous mainly to bees, which it attacks inside their hives. However, it also threatens wild insect species, as it feeds on them.

Asian hornet nests are spherical to pear-shaped and have a side entrance. They are most frequently found high up in the crowns of deciduous trees or in human structures, though exceptionally they can also be located in bushes or even underground.

Current Situation and the Eradication Plan

Since 2023, two Asian hornet nests have been recorded in the Czech Republic:
•    The first nest: Due to difficult accessibility, it was eradicated by the Fire and Rescue Service in cooperation with the NCA CR.
•    The second nest: Eradicated solely by the NCA CR.
According to the so-called Eradication Plan for the Asian Hornet, issued by the Ministry of the Environment, the first nests found in the Czech Republic should be eradicated exclusively by the Fire and Rescue Service in cooperation with the NCA CR. Today's agreement contributes precisely to this goal.

Long-term Efforts of the NCA CR

The Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic has been addressing the issue of invasive species on a long-term basis. It systematically maps their occurrence—currently focusing on the 'Mapping and Monitoring of Invasive Species' (in Czech) project—and manages the Nature Conservation Findings Database (in Czech), where records of the occurrence of individual invasive and other species can be searched.

Within its territorial jurisdiction, the agency carries out the direct eradication or management of invasive species. It also coordinates interventions against the first recorded occurrences of invasive species on the EU Union list, in recent years particularly targeting the Asian hornet and the marbled crayfish.

(Joint press release of the Nature Conservation Agency of the Czech Republic and the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic.)