New research finds introduced honey bees may pose a threat to native bees.
A Curtin University study has found the introduced European honeybee could lead to native bee population decline or extinction when colonies compete for the same nectar and pollen sources in urban gardens and native vegetation remnants.
Not all native bee species were negatively impacted, but when honeybees and native bees shared the same flower preferences, the honeybees proved more successful at collecting pollen and nectar, not leaving enough floral resources to support native bee populations.
According to a media release published by Curtin University, lead author Kit Prendergast, said planting more flowering plants, particularly those preferred by vulnerable species of native bees, could help prevent them from declining in number. Controlling the density of honeybees would also be critical in reducing the pressure on vulnerable native bees.
The full paper, 'Interactions between the introduced European honey bee and native bees in urban areas varies by year, habitat type, and native bee guild,' is found online.
