Our Research Progress
We are in a deep discovery phase right now. We don't know exactly what we don't know so we are talking to as many beekeepers, enthusiasts & industry experts as we can.
We are using this page to document our assumptions & current big questions to help guide our conversations. If you can help us solve/de-mystify any of the below - please get in touch.
The Big Questions
These are the ones keeping us awake at night. We have trawled google & quizzed AI but as yet not gotten sufficient evidence that we can consider the question answered. Got an opinion or knowledge to share? Let's talk....yesterday.
Does it really matter if Native Bees die out?
We *think* it does. But given we get most of our honey and pollination services from European Honeybees - would it really make a big difference if we lost Native Australian Bees? Or is their loss only a problem if we had also lost the European Honey Bee? Are our Native Bees just a contingency method - and are they a good
How much value do Native Bees really provide to the food supply?
We know they can be used for pollination, but European Honey Bees do most of it currently. Secondary question - how much pollination value would be lost if European Honey Bees died out?
Is there a correlation between ideal bee habitat & areas frequently affected by fires/flood?
7 species of Native Bee were added to the endangered list post the 2019/20 bushfired in NSW & VIC. If bee habitat are more susceptible to catastrophic climactic events, would diversifying their locations improve their chances of species survival?
Is it possible to accurately count bee populations?
We can't "save the bees" if we can't measure progress. But the odd university study isn't enough to provide comparable data over time to assess what is going on in the bee world. Is anyone working on methods to count bees? How can we standardise a method & monitor bee populations moving forward?
Can the average Australian help bolster Native Bee populations?
If yes... how? Most Native Bee species are solitary bees. Where do you get them from? Can you buy them? If they don't have hives, how do you know where they are? OR are we talking more about food/flower provision rather than dedicated bee breeding?
Are Native Bees currently used to pollinate Australian food crops?
(Yes, QLD) Or are we really only using European Honey Bees? Why?/Why not? How much money is involved in hiring bees to pollinate a crop? Are bees kept in hibernation prior to harvest? Are they killed afterwards? What happens to bees involved in pollination?
How can we monitor hive health remotely?
Can we use use a sensor to wirelessly (over interstate distances) convey information such as temperature, weight, sound, video, photos? Will these metrics be enough to save farmers a trip to monitor their hive?
Is the reason farmers use EHB because they are always 'better' or because there aren't enough Native Bees?
We know native bees are more suited to pollinating specific crops that EHB. So, if we had an infinite number of them, would their use be more widespread? What are the reasons for/against their use commercially?
Our Assumptions
1 / Native Bees are threatened and/or endangered
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Proof: The research conducted by Flinders University referenced in this article.
2 / Native Bees contribute to pollination in Aus
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Proof: Small but established Tetragonula Carbonaria Native Stingless Bee population used in QLD and NSW as referenced in this article.
3 / Native Bees are a viable alternative to European Honeybees
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Justification: Blue Banded Native Bees can perform buzz poliination & European Honeybees cannot. Buzz pollination is sought after (main perk of Bumblebees). More details here.
5 / Assumptions we need to address:
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We need bees to pollinate crops & produce food (without them we would not be able to produce certain foods)
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Native Bees can feasibly replace European Honey Bees
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Native Bee populations should be increased
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It would make sense to breed Native Bees alongside European Honey Bees
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Consumers aren't aware of the distinction between Native Bees and European Honey Bees
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Feral Bees threaten the continued existence of Native Bees
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The Varroa Mite could wipe out European Honey Bees in Australia
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Continued use of pesticide in farming is a contributing cause to Bee population decline
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Improving hive health would be more effective at increasing hive numbers than adding more breeders
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Improving availability of pollen for bees would be more effective at increasing hive numbers than adding more breeders
Impact Map - How will our actions make change?
What are we reading right now?
Right now, it's all about the bees - the world's smallest farmers. Know a good read? Let us know so we can add it to the list.
