The Resurgence of the European Dark Bee in Belgium

Every summer, approximately 1,000 virgin queens of the endangered European dark bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) are collected in Chimay, Belgium, during a unique event known as the “wedding flight.” Male bees mate with the queens, after which the males die, leaving the fertilized queens to be transported back to various locations across Europe, including the Netherlands, France, and Germany. This practice, initiated in 2000, aims to preserve and propagate the genetic material of the dark bee, which is native to the region and has been significantly impacted by the introduction of hybridized bees.

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Hubert Guerriat, a biologist and beekeeper, has played a crucial role in the conservation of the dark bee. He founded the South Hainaut beekeeping school in 1983 and established the organization Mellifica, which unites dark bee keepers from across Europe. Currently, beekeepers in a designated area of 30,000 hectares around Chimay are required to maintain only dark bee colonies. Guerriat estimates that there are between 50 to 100 participating beekeepers, including Isabelle Noé, who began her dark bee colony in 2017 and now manages over 100 hives.

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Despite producing less honey than hybrid bees, dark bees are favored for their resilience and lower maintenance needs. They are less susceptible to diseases and require fewer resources, making them a more sustainable option for beekeepers. The market for products derived from dark bee honey, such as lip balm and throat syrup, is also growing, with Noé reporting a successful harvest of a tonne of honey last year.

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The dark bee's adaptability to local climates is a significant factor in its conservation. Unlike hybrid bees, which require substantial food resources and are more vulnerable to environmental changes, dark bees are robust and can withstand colder temperatures and sudden weather shifts. Guerriat notes that dark bees have survived historical climate challenges, including the last ice age, and have shown resilience during adverse conditions, such as the rainy summer of 2024 that negatively impacted hybrid honeybee yields.

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Conservationists are also working to restore wild populations of dark bees in forested areas, which will help strengthen the genetic diversity of farmed populations. This initiative includes creating log hives to mimic the natural nesting environments of dark bees, which historically thrived in tree cavities.

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Despite the positive strides in dark bee conservation, some critics argue that the focus on native subspecies may overlook the complexities of modern beekeeping. The introduction of hybrid bees has been driven by the demand for higher honey yields, and transitioning back to native species may not be feasible for all beekeepers. Guerriat acknowledges the challenges but emphasizes the importance of local biodiversity in fostering resilience against climate change and other threats.

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• “In apiculture, you have to explain to people how to work with dark bees. With time they find that it is a beautiful bee,” — Hubert Guerriat, Beekeeper and Biologist

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• “also a way to contribute to the resilience of our forest ecosystem” — Estelle Doumont, Conservation Biologist

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As beekeepers face the challenges of climate change, invasive species, and disease, the resurgence of the European dark bee serves as a vital reminder of the importance of local biodiversity in ensuring sustainable apiculture practices.

The Guardian