Galwegians asked to report honey bee sightings

People in Co Galway are being urged to report sightings of wild honey bees or hives in their area.

The information will help develop conservation measures for native Irish honey bees in Galway.

There are over 100 different bee species in Ireland, with one of them being the honey bee. They are relatively smaller than other bee species and not as ‘fluffy’ as a bumblebee.

Native wild honey bees are now considered endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature, but wild colonies are a frequent sight in Ireland where they live in cavities in trees, roofs or walls.

In Galway, researchers have recorded more than 190 wild colonies, but it is likely to be many more.

“There is a large gap in our knowledge- we do not know how the native wild honey bee and other wild pollinators are affected by managed bees, which live in beehives,” said Professor Grace McCormack of Galway Honey Bee Research Centre at University of Galway.

“We don’t know how many beekeepers there are or where their hives are,” she added.

University of Galway has 12 hives in Galway city and is keen to ensure that its beekeeping is sustainable, not adversely impacting wild honey bees, other beekeepers, or other bee species.

To better understand how many hives would be a sustainable number, the research team are exploring what other hives might be in the area and where its bees, and other bees, are getting their food.

The research team is looking forward to hearing from anyone with information on honey bee apiaries, hives or nest sightings in the area, or honey bees feeding on pollinator-friendly plants in their garden or area.

“The native Irish honey bee, also known as the black bee, is uniquely adapted to Ireland’s climate.

“However, it is currently under threat from non-native imports, climate change, invasive species and a lack of resources such as food and nesting space,” explained Professor McCormack.

She said that this research will provide a clearer understanding of honey bee and pollinator activity in Galway, to help develop conservation measures and sustainable management strategies for apiaries that can be applied within Galway and nationally.

To submit sightings and queries, contact Pamela Madigan at P.Madigan1@universityofgalway.ie or 0874474811 or Professor Grace McCormack at grace.mccormack@universityofgalway.ie or 0860227227.