Episodit
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Imagine sleeping for a couple of months, waking up and realizing you’ve got to build a house, get a job, raise some kids, and feed them. Bumblebee queens go through this every spring and it’s really a critical time for their survival. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Matthias Becher who shares his research on the seasonal needs of bumblebee colonies, particularly focusing on the critical early spring “hungry gap.”
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How do native bees survive winter's chill? Discover how you can keep them warm and cozy this winter through simple actions like leaving autumn leaves undisturbed and holding off on your garden cleanup. We’ll also share the importance of perhaps unsightly things like bare soil and dead wood. Listen in to create your own cold-weather refuge for native bees.
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In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we discuss the threats facing wild and native bees with Dr. Yi Zhou, an ecologist and entomologist. The discussion focuses on a study in South China's rice fields that revealed habitat loss as a more significant threat to pollinator diversity than pesticides. Dr. Zhou highlights the importance of conserving semi-natural habitats within agricultural landscapes to support bee populations.
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In this episode, we dive into Dr. Lindsie McCabe's enlightening study on how changing temperatures impact the survival rates of cavity-nesting bees. Conducting a transplant experiment over three years, Dr. McCabe and her team uncovered how elevation and temperature fluctuations influence bee emergence. Discover why generalist bees are more adaptable to elevation changes compared to specialist bees, and what this means for bee conservation efforts in the face of climate change. Don't miss this important conversation on the overlooked aspects of bee life stages and their implications for biodiversity.
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In this episode of The Bee's Knees, we blend technology, science, and the natural world. Join us as we explore an innovative tool revolutionizing bee conservation – BeeMachine. This cutting-edge app utilizes artificial intelligence to help identify and document various bee species, making it easier for scientists and enthusiasts alike. The app’s founder, Brian Spiesman, shares insights into the app’s development and its significant impact on bee conservation efforts.
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Let’s explore the world of the Nordic honeybee, or Apis mellifera mellifera, a subspecies that once flourished across Southern Scandinavia, Central, and Western Europe. Today, in Sweden, a mere 1,000 of the 160,000 hives still house these native bees, highlighting a pressing need for conservation efforts. Mats Niklasson brings his unique background in forest history and ecological restoration to the conversation, offering an insightful perspective on the Nordic honeybee, and the importance of biodiversity, conservation, and the intricate balance of our ecosystems.
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We’re exploring the challenges faced by native bees due to rising temperatures and drier conditions. Dr. Melanie Kazenel discusses her research using a 16-year dataset from New Mexico's drylands, revealing that while some bee species show resilience, about half face potential declines. The conversation touches on bee physiology, the importance of bee size in pollination, and the broader implications of these changes for biodiversity and conservation.
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What are the indirect effects of honey bee introductions on native bee populations and plant pollination patterns? Dr. Maureen Page joins us to share the unique roles that native bees play in our ecosystems, highlighting their differences from their honey-producing cousins and how these distinctions are vital for the health of our planet. The common camas herb, a key focus of the study, will serve as a prime example of how native bees outperform honey bees in pollination effectiveness, thanks to their unique traits and behaviors.
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How important are rare and declining bee species for pollinating various wildflowers and crops? We’re talking about that in this episode with Dr. Mark Genung who introduces us to ecosystem function theory and the broader implications for biodiversity when we lose species in a community. Our conversation covers significant findings from his recent study, the importance of maintaining biodiversity, and practical steps for conservation efforts.
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From the temperate regions of Tasmania to the tropical landscapes of Queensland, every corner of Australia offers unique challenges and opportunities for our vital native bees. Today we’re speaking with Dr. Kit Prendergast about the intricate world of Australian bees and their specialized relationships with native flora.
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Every day native bees fly and forage under a shadow — the threat from pesticides. Today we’re talking with Dr. Charlie Nicholson who guides us through the dangers that agricultural pesticide use poses to our vital pollinators and introduces us to the concept of post-approval monitoring of these chemicals. We discover there is a pressing need for stronger regulatory measures to protect our invaluable bee communities and in turn, the biodiversity upon which we all depend.
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Research underscores the remarkable efficiency of wild bees over their honey-producing counterparts in pollinating fruit trees, a critical insight for agriculture and biodiversity. Today we’re exploring the verdant orchards of Ireland with Garry Connolly, a passionate advocate for native bees. Garry shares his journey from curiosity to action, mobilizing a community-wide effort to support these crucial pollinators.
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It’s not news that the food we eat should be nutritious, but are the floral resources we provide to bees actually what they need? We explore the intricate world of bee nutrition with our guest Dr. Sarah Leonhardt. We chat about the importance of pollen and nectar, the challenges in analyzing pollen chemistry, the impact of climate change on flower quality, and the need to deepen our understanding of bee nutrition amidst environmental changes. It’s a conversation on the critical role of nutrition in sustaining bee populations.
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The month of May buzzes with significance for our tiny yet mighty bees. We kick off with World Bee Day on May 20, a global celebration aiming to spotlight the critical role bees and other pollinators play in ensuring food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving biodiversity. And then we move right into the International Day for Biodiversity on May 22, reflecting on the rich tapestry of life that makes up our ecosystems and the importance of its preservation, reflected in this year's theme: "Be Part of the Plan."
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Providing nesting areas and floral resources for bees contributes to the conservation of biodiversity. Taking care of our native bees is one of the best ways to safeguard our environment. We’re speaking with Justina Block who shares her journey of raising native bees at home to starting a business promoting native bees and their habitats which led to a research-based project looking for the best floral resources for mason bees.
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Let your lawn become a haven for bees! Did you know that by mowing less and nurturing the wildflowers that bring them joy, you can support bee abundance and diversity? Today, we’re talking with Dr. Susannah Lerman about her research study that found mowing lawns less can be a simple and cost-effective way to support bee populations without the need for replacing lawns or creating separate pollinator gardens.
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Let’s talk about the challenges wild and native bees face, with a particular focus on habitat loss. Beyond just the scarcity of floral resources, we’re looking at the often-overlooked aspect of nesting site depletion when natural landscapes are transformed for agriculture or urban development. My guest Aaron Bhambra introduces us to lowland heath, an internationally threatened ecosystem, and the tormentil mining bee, an endangered species.
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The native versus non-native plant debate for native bees is one that demands careful consideration. We talk to Dr. Nicole Seitz who believes that while native plants remain the preferred option for supporting native bees, the inclusion of high-quality pollinator-friendly non-native plants can be good supplementary resources for bees in areas where natural systems are scarce.
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Fast food for bees? A quick meal isn’t often the healthiest. But a lack of food is one of the biggest threats to bees. However, there’s a bright yellow tasty and nutritious bee food source that unfortunately many of us get rid of because it’s considered a weed. Today, Dr. Philip Donkersly tells us why we should let dandelions, the ever-present blooms of sunshine, thrive.
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Creating a bee-friendly garden is not only rewarding but also essential for supporting bee populations and maintaining biodiversity. By planting a variety of native flowers, considering the nutritional value of plants, and providing nesting places, you can make a significant impact on the well-being of bees in your area.
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