Good News for the Native Irish Honey Bee!
We are thrilled to share two positive updates, but there’s still an ongoing challenge for our precious native honey bee:
1. Big Step Forward in the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill!
Senator Vincent P Martin has just informed us that the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill, 2021, will pass its final two stages in the Seanad next Wednesday at 3pm! While the Bill must still go through the Dáil, this marks a huge step forward in safeguarding our native bees. We’re halfway there!
2. Groundbreaking Research Co-Authored by NIHBS!
NIHBS is proud to be co-authors of a significant paper published last week. This research confirms that the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is a distinct and genetically diverse honey bee ecotype, worthy of conservation. It highlights the unique characteristics of our native bees and the increasing threat from introgressive hybridisation due to imports of non-native subspecies.
Here are some key takeaways from the paper:
- The Irish population of A. m. mellifera is still common and widespread.
- Our native bees have distinct traits like a broader, hairier abdomen and unique wing characteristics.
- Despite the threats, the study supports the existence of a distinct and diverse Irish honey bee ecotype that needs protection.
Feel free to read the full paper here: https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2024.2404297
While these are two great strides forward, the ongoing threat from non-native bee imports remains. Let’s continue to work together to protect Ireland’s only native honey bee!
Download and personalize this sample letter to encourage your local representative to support the bill: Download Sample letter here
