Disrupted Native Bee Populations Can Rebound, Study Indicates

Researchers at Penn State published a study that examined the effects of migratory beekeeping on native bee populations. Research showed that when managed honey bees were moved into an area, the population of native bees decreased in abundance and diversity. However, when apiaries were eventually removed, even after a period of years, native bee populations once again increased in both total numbers and species diversity. A study co-author suggested that, in this study in China, “These bees were also likely able to rebound because the landscape had an abundance of flowers and minimal agriculture and pesticide use,” and noted that results might be different in areas where floral diversity and space for bees are lower or that have a higher density of managed honey bee colonies.
Related ATTRA publication: Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees