In a decisive move to safeguard Kangaroo Island’s world-famous Ligurian bees, the Malinauskas Labor Government has introduced strict new biosecurity measures following the state’s first detection of the destructive varroa mite in the Riverland last month.
Effective immediately, all ferries heading to Kangaroo Island will undergo comprehensive biosecurity inspections to ensure the pest does not reach the island. The measures are supported by the expansion of a sentinel hive program — a key early-warning system designed to detect any trace of the parasite before it can take hold.
Sentinel hives have already been established at Cape Jervis, Penneshaw, Parndana, and Kingscote Airport, with six more planned across the island. The program is being delivered in partnership between PIRSA’s Apiary Unit, the Kangaroo Island Biosecurity Program, and local beekeepers, who will monitor and maintain the hives regularly to ensure rapid detection and response.
Kangaroo Island is internationally recognised as a sanctuary for the pure Ligurian honey bee, a population introduced from Italy in 1884. Its geographical isolation and long-standing biosecurity restrictions have kept the species free from disease and interbreeding — making it the only remaining pure Ligurian bee population in the world.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the government was acting swiftly to protect this unique heritage.
“We know varroa mite poses a serious threat to our Ligurian honey bees, and we’re doing everything possible to protect this iconic colony and the broader apiary industry,” she said.
Secretary of the Kangaroo Island Beekeepers Association, Sharon Simons, welcomed the strengthened measures.
“This announcement is an excellent step in helping protect Kangaroo Island’s bees, keeping them healthy and securing the future of the species,” she said. “The sentinel hive program and increased ferry checks are vital to maintaining the purity of our Ligurian bee population.”
The enhanced biosecurity operations follow the successful removal and treatment of all hives affected by the Riverland detection, with no further cases reported since.
Protecting the Ligurian bee colony is crucial not only for South Australia’s agricultural and environmental health, but also for tourism, with visitors drawn to Kangaroo Island’s reputation as the home of the world’s purest honey bees.
Through these new measures, South Australia continues to lead the way in defending one of its most precious natural assets.
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