native bees Archives

Protecting our pollinators

Meet the Aussie beekeepers giving back after their revolutionary hive design caused a buzz in apiaries worldwide.

Move over, honeybees: Aussie native bees ‘deserve more attention and respect’

Australian native bees have evolved complex social structures and foraging behaviours that help biologists answer longstanding questions, such as the origins of social behaviour, and the drivers of increased biodiversity.

History & Culture

200 years since the honey bee came to our shores, it’s hard to imagine an Australia without it

On the bicentenary of the European honey bee’s introduction to Australia, should we be celebrating? We take a look at the effects – good and bad – the honey bee has had on our environment and society.

Rediscovery of Australia´s rare cloaked bee: James Dorey

Talking Australia

Rediscovery of Australia´s rare cloaked bee: James Dorey

00:00 / 00:21:52

Adelaide-based ecologist and native bee expert, James Dorey, is known for his beautiful portrait images of bees and other insects. The author of the book, Bees of Australia, James recently rediscovered the rare cloaked bee., which was believed extinct for the past 100 years. In this episode he talks about the relevance of his images, how he came across a species that was thought to be long lost, and how we can help bees to thrive in our own backyards. This Episode of Talking Australia is hosted by Angela Heathcote (Digital Producer at Australian Geographic) and produced by Ben Kanthak (www.beachshackpodcasts.com). You can also follow us on Instagram @australiangeographic