Evaluation of off-the-shelf technologies for their potential to track Asian Hornets (Vespa velutina)

The overall aim is to test whether off-the-shelf insect tracking technology can be used to track Asian hornets in the wild, flying from forage sites to their nests, and thus aid nest detection. We have the following objectives:

1. Interview key Asian hornet scientists in Europe to review latest methods that have been evaluated for finding nests
2. Test effectiveness of Biotrack & RECCO tracking technologies in a range of habitats and environments likely to be suitable for Asian hornet nesting.
3. Optimise Biotrack PicoPip tag (antennal length, orientation, attachment method) for use on ~200mg flying insect
4. Optimise RECCO radar tag (antennal length, orientation, attachment method) for use on ~200mg flying insect
5. Test optimised tags on hornets (or surrogate insects) in confined conditions to confirm that insects behave and fly as expected.
6. Field test the most promising technology (Biotrack or RECCO or both) on free-flying Asian hornets in France. Test whether they can detect return flights to nests.
7. Design protocol for using technology to find nests in future, documenting constraints (e.g. environment, range, battery life), and write an instruction manual.
8. Write final report and talks for Defra, NBU and beekeepers.

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