Research from Curtin University has unveiled a complex relationship between bushfires, prescribed burns, and global bee populations. The study indicates that while some bee species may thrive in the wake of fire, others face significant threats. Led by Dr. Kit Prendergast, an Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, the investigation reviewed 148 studies from various regions to assess how fire affects different bee species.
The research considered factors such as the severity and frequency of fires, as well as the unique characteristics of the bees, including their nesting habits, body size, dietary specialisation, and social behaviour. Dr. Prendergast highlighted a growing recognition of declining pollinator numbers as a critical threat to biodiversity and sustainability. However, until now, the response of bee populations to increasingly severe fires—driven by climate change and land management practices—had not been thoroughly examined.
“Ground-nesting bees and those that have a diverse diet often thrive in the sunny, open conditions that follow a fire,” Dr. Prendergast explained. “Conversely, bees that nest in small pre-made holes in trees or depend on a limited number of plant species for food are significantly more vulnerable. Fires can destroy both their nesting sites and the food sources they rely on.”
Varied Responses Highlight Need for Tailored Fire Management
The findings reveal that bee responses to fire are heterogeneous, with some species benefiting while others may decline or even vanish. The review also indicated significant research gaps, particularly concerning ecosystems in the fire-prone Southern Hemisphere.
“Despite the diversity of native bees in Australia and its landscapes significantly affected by fire, there remains a lack of research focused on how these unique species cope with fire,” said Associate Professor Bill Bateman, a co-author of the study.
The research underscores the necessity for fire management strategies tailored to support biodiversity. “There is no one-size-fits-all approach,” Associate Professor Bateman noted. “Fire can be beneficial for some bees and catastrophic for others. Land managers need to go beyond basic hazard reduction to consider strategies that include leaving unburnt refuges, maintaining habitat connectivity, and employing a mosaic of burn types across the landscape.”
Such strategies are particularly crucial in Australia, where ecosystems and bee species have evolved under different fire regimes compared to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Recommendations for Fire Management Practices
The study advocates for integrating measures into fire management plans that enhance the survival and recovery of native bees. Given their essential role in pollination, food security, and overall ecosystem health, supporting bee populations is paramount.
The full study, titled “Bees feeling the burn: how fire affects global bee biodiversity,” is published in Biological Reviews and can be accessed through the journal’s platform. This research contributes significantly to understanding the nuanced effects of fire on bee populations, prompting calls for more comprehensive studies, particularly in under-researched regions.
