A series of coordinated thefts in far north Queensland has resulted in the loss of an estimated 800,000 bees. According to local apiarist Tom Bidner, who operates in the Atherton Tablelands, the theft involved 44 colonies taken from three different beekeepers. Based on an average of 20,000 bees per hive, the total loss is estimated to exceed 800,000 individual insects, with a financial value reaching tens of thousands of dollars.

Industry experts characterize the thefts as a sophisticated operation, noting that the perpetrators likely possessed the specialized knowledge and equipment required to move large numbers of active hives without significant disruption. The timing of the incident is particularly concerning for the region's agricultural sector, as it coincides with the recent arrival of the varroa mite parasite, which has already placed significant strain on local beekeeping operations. Bidner indicated that the investigation into the extent of the losses is ongoing, as beekeepers continue to inspect various sites to determine if more colonies have been targeted. Authorities have not yet identified suspects, but the scale of the operation suggests a targeted effort rather than an opportunistic crime.