Will European bees be relocated into Australia’s national parks after the bushfires?

Much natural habitat was lost in the recent bushfires, which has led to commercial bees losing their source of food. Beekeepers are pushing for access to move commercial hives in to national parks and other unburnt public land.

Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor recently wrote for The Conversation about the damaging effects honey bees could have on the sacred ecosystems of national parks.

Honeybees tend to create competition for native bees, mammals and other insects which rely on the same nectar from flowers. The also pollinate introduced flora species, allowing them to reproduce experientially. These species take over natural bushland and increase the cost of mitigation in future.

Patrick spoke to ABC Adelaide about this.