Habitat loss might not grab headlines like pesticides do, but it plays a critical role in pollinator diversity. We talk with Dr. Yi Zhou whose research in South China found semi-natural habitats provide essential nesting and food resources for mason …
From Fields to Food: The Hidden Impact of Agricultural Intensification (Ep. 41) Read more »
Bees serve as a vital indicator species for the health of our ecosystem. Today, we’re looking at research that not only broadens our understanding of how climate change affects bees but also emphasizes the urgent need to protect these pollinators …
Highs and Lows: How Elevation and Temperature Impact Bee Survival (Ep. 40) Read more »
World-wide, native bees are facing significant threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. With over 16,000 known species of bees, pinpointing which populations are most at risk can be daunting. This challenge underscores the necessity for innovative solutions to …
Buzzing into Innovation: A Conversation with BeeMachine’s Creator (Ep.39) Read more »
We’re looking into the fascinating history and current efforts to conserve a unique dark honeybee in Sweden, Apis mellifera mellifera or the Nordic honeybee. One of the intriguing aspects we discuss is the historical presence of honeybees in Swedish forests. …
Free Spirits: Investigating Free-Living Nordic Honey Bee Colonies (Ep. 38) Read more »
You’ve most likely noticed an increase in extreme weather patterns in recent years, such as hotter summers, unexpected droughts, and unusual weather cycles. These changes are not just uncomfortable for us humans, but also pose significant threats to our environment, …
Buzzkill: Climate Change and the Looming Threat to Pollinators (Ep. 37) Read more »
What challenges do native bee populations face in the wake of non-native bee introductions? And what could be the long-term implications for plant reproduction and diversity? Our guest Dr. Maureen Page shares valuable insights into conservation strategies aimed at protecting …
Floral Foes: How Non-Native Bees Impact Native Ecosystems (Ep. 36) Read more »
Understanding the importance of rare and declining bee species has become increasingly vital as biodiversity continues to face global threats. Today we’re looking at a study that delved into the role these bees play in pollinating three types of wildflowers …
From Bees to Biodiversity: Shaping the Future of Ecosystem Services (Ep. 35) Read more »
This past spring has seen devastating flooding happening on nearly every continent. One country not immune to the disastrous effects of climate change is Australia. No person, animal or landscape can escape the consequences the climate crisis is bringing. Sometimes, …
Common agricultural practices don’t always take the good health of bees into consideration. Agriculture needs bees, and we need agriculture. Besides monoculture farming practices, the use of pesticides is another major bee stressors in these types of landscapes. In this …
Bumble Bees and Pesticides: How Agricultural Practices Threaten Wild Bees (Ep. 33) Read more »
Research has shown that on a bee-per-bee basis, wild bees can be more effective pollinators than honey bees. This is especially true when it comes to pollinating fruit trees. Native bees emerge sooner than honey bees and even many species …
Fruitful Futures: Growing Orchards for Native Bees (Ep. 32) Read more »