Exploring the Native and Non-Native Bee Debate with Ron Miksha (S6, E24)

Beekeeping Today Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Ron Miksha, a former commercial beekeeper now living in Calgary, Alberta. Ron was on the podcast back in August of this year talking about the Western Apiculture Society conference with Étienne Tardiff. At the time, he mentioned his research on the impact of the non-native honey bee on native bees and floral sources. This topic deserved its own space so we invited him back today.

The debate over the impact of honey bees on native bees, pollinators, and floral sources is a complex and multifaceted issue, touching upon ecology, conservation, and agriculture. At the heart of this debate lies the honey bee, a non-native species in many parts of the world.

One major concern is the competition honey bees may pose to native bee populations. By sheer numbers, honey bees can dominate floral resources in an area, potentially outcompeting native bees for nectar and pollen. This competition can be particularly significant in areas with limited floral abundance. Some studies suggest that the presence of honey bees in resource-constrained areas can lead to a decrease in the diversity and abundance of native bees.

Honey bees are renowned for their pollination services, crucial for many agricultural crops. However, their dominance in certain ecosystems may alter pollination dynamics. While they contribute significantly to the pollination of a wide range of crops, their presence may affect the pollination efficiency of native plants, which have evolved alongside native pollinators.

Honey bees not only compete with native bees for existing resources but can also influence the abundance and distribution of floral resources themselves. Their foraging patterns can affect the flowering plants' reproductive success, potentially leading to changes in plant community composition over time.

The debate extends to conservation and beekeeping practices. There is a growing call for responsible beekeeping that minimizes the impact on native bee populations and ecosystems. This includes managing hive numbers, especially in ecologically sensitive areas, and supporting habitat restoration and conservation efforts to bolster both native and non-native pollinator populations.

The challenge lies in balancing the agricultural benefits of honey bees with the ecological needs of native pollinators and plants. This involves a nuanced understanding of local ecosystems, the role of different pollinators, and the impact of human activities.

The debate over the impact of honey bees on native bees and ecosystems is an ongoing one, requiring continued research, informed policy-making, and collaborative conservation efforts. Thoughtful consideration and continued research are needed. Listen to our conversation with Ron as he shares his research and observations on this topic.

Leave comments and questions in the Comments Section of the episode's website.

Links and websites mentioned in this podcast:

• Honey Bee Health Coalition Best Pollinator Management Practices - https://honeybeehealthcoalition.org/resource_category/best-management-practices/
• Bee Culture Article on the Topic - https://www.beeculture.com/honey-bees-vs-native-bees/
• Ron's Book, Bad Beekeeping - https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Beekeeping-Ron-Miksha/dp/1412006279/
• Industrial Metal Band, "Miksha" - https://metalstorm.net/bands/band.php?band_id=1195
• Kirsty Stainton's Book, "Varroa Management" - https://www.northernbeebooks.co.uk/products/varroa-management-stainton/
• Honey Bee Obscura - https://www.honeybeeobscura.com

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This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode!

Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about heir line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com

Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from Amazon and bookstores everywhere. They are also the publishers of The Beekeepers Quarterly and Natural Bee Husbandry.

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