As part of a broader effort to protect and conserve the vital population of native Irish honey bees, University of Galway is calling on members of the public to participate in a comprehensive bee census in Inishowen, Co Donegal.

Launched today on World Bee Day (Tuesday 20 May), the survey aims to map and gather data on the population density of both free-living and managed bee colonies in the region.

Researchers are also keen to explore the interactions between these different colonies and investigate whether their interactions are beneficial to the future conservation of these essential pollinators.

The survey is a key part of wider safeguarding efforts for the future of the native Irish honey bee, which has seen declining populations in recent years due to hybridisation of native bees with imported forms, habitat and biodiversity loss, disease, and climate change.

            Professor Grace McCormack, Head of the School of Natural Sciences at University of Galway, said: “There are no accurate data on the density of honey bee colonies in Ireland and this census information is necessary for investigating impacts of various factors on honey bee survival, and the interactions between wild and managed bees. Funded by Research Ireland, the team at University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences, with the help of Mick Verspuij and his friends in Donegal, have already produced a lot of data on honey bees in Inishowen making it an ideal place to focus on for this project.”

University of Galway PhD student Mick Verspuij has been actively involved in the beekeeping community in Inishowen for almost a decade and is currently studying for a doctorate, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, on the international research project Free-B which is being launched to uncover how wild honey bee colonies survive and thrive in the wild across diverse landscapes of Europe in Ireland, France, Poland, Portugal and Sweden and what differentiates them from nearby managed colonies.

University of Galway researchers are encouraging all members of the community, from local residents to beekeepers, community groups and schools to farmers, to report their observations of bee colonies, by completing an easy-to-use online form. 

            PhD student Mick Verspuij said: “I have been actively involved in the Inishowen beekeeping community for nearly 10 years now and still come across new honeybee nest locations within Inishowen. It just shows you how little is known about the density and spread of honeybee colonies in just one region. Collectively with the help from the people in the area we can start making sense of the impact honeybee colonies have on the local environment and together work to a better future for all pollinators within Inishowen.”

To learn more about the census or how to get involved visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/honeybeecensus.

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