The Urgent Need for Support of Native Pollinators in Australia

In late 2022, the New South Wales government allocated an additional A$9.5 million to support honeybee keepers following the introduction of the Varroa mite, a parasite that threatens honeybee colonies. This funding adds to the A$58.4 million already spent addressing the mite's impact. However, honeybees, which are not native to Australia, have been shown to negatively affect local biodiversity by competing with native pollinators for resources. Australia is home to approximately 2,000 species of native bees and many other insect pollinators, including beetles, flies, and butterflies, all of which are crucial for the pollination of native plants.

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Research indicates that the proliferation of honeybees may be contributing to a decline in native pollinator populations. Studies have shown that native bees exposed to high densities of honeybees produce fewer offspring, which can lead to population declines. Despite the growing concern over pollinator health globally, Australia has largely overlooked its native pollinators, creating a false sense of security regarding their status. The Varroa mite's spread presents a unique opportunity to study the effects of declining honeybee populations on native ecosystems, as it may allow researchers to observe potential recovery in native pollinator numbers.

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There is a pressing need for increased funding and research focused on native pollinators. Currently, many native bee species remain unnamed and unstudied, limiting efforts to protect them. The recent identification of a new native bee species that visits a critically endangered plant underscores the importance of such research. Experts advocate for immediate studies to understand the impacts of honeybees on native flora and fauna, especially as the Varroa mite continues to spread.

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Critics argue that the Australian government’s focus on honeybees, an invasive species, detracts from the urgent need to support native pollinators. Despite the existence of three native bee species listed as threatened under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, none have recovery plans in place. Furthermore, licensed beekeeping operations are permitted in national parks and nature reserves, raising concerns about the management of feral species in protected areas.

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Experts and conservationists are calling for a shift in strategy, urging the government to invest in native pollinators and the ecosystems that depend on them. They emphasize that honeybees are not at risk of extinction and that no plant species has gone extinct due to their absence. Instead, evidence suggests that honeybees may be harming native plant populations by overshadowing the role of native pollinators.

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The development of a Native Bee and Pollinator Conservation Strategy is underway, aimed at providing a scientific framework for protecting Australia’s unique pollinators. This strategy seeks to guide policy and practical measures to address the ongoing crisis facing native pollinators. The time to act is critical, as the window to study the effects of declining honeybee populations on native ecosystems may be limited.

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• “It’s time for Australia’s governments to step up and invest in Australia’s native pollinators and the plants that rely upon their services, rather than pouring millions into the honeybee – a feral invasive species that jeopardises native wildlife.” — Graham Pyke, Ecologist

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• “We have a narrow window to find out if native pollinators can recover after a temporary drop in feral honey bee densities.” — Kit Prendergast, Researcher

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