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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