Australian Bee Observation Network (ABON)

We are collecting baseline data about honey bees -- population levels, genetic structure, their diseases and parasites, as well as what plants they pollinate. The network acts as an early warning system for Varroa, and provides a wealth of data about bee populations, and how they may change if Varroa becomes established. This information is crucial in furthering investigation of their ecological role and impact, and is significant in a vast range of research.

Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) were native mite to a close relative of the western honey bee. Western honey bees are used in beekeeping worldwide, but were originally limited to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. They were brought to Asia, where in the mid-20th century Varroa mites adopted them as a new host. Since then, Varroa mites have spread worldwide, spreading deadly viruses, and leading to widespread bee population collapses. You can read more about Varroa mites here.

In short, no. However, the reality of varroa’s impact is much more complicated than that; Worldwide, bee populations have shown an ability to evolve resistance to the mites. Managed colonies will most likely have to be treated with chemicals to manage Varroa levels, but that's been the worldwide practice for decades. There is novel and exciting research on Varroa control that will rely less on chemicals going forward.

Yes! We are looking to have a wide geographic coverage in New South Wales (with plans to expand Australia-wide). If you have a patch of forest where we can set up 10 swarm traps, which you could survey about once a month for bee occupancy, and know a beekeeper who can help collect swarms, you are more than welcome to join us!

Each site has two roles: a site manager and beekeeper (one person can have both roles). The site manager has authority to access the site, and lets us install swarm traps, and checks them monthly for bee occupancy, reporting data via a phone app or by email. If a box gets colonised, the beekeeper can collect (and keep) the swarm, sending us samples using a collection kit that we will provide. We ask that you commit for at least a year to get high quality time series data.

Each network site will have 10 swarm traps (wooden boxes that bee swarms can move into), which are monitored monthly for occupancy. When bees move in, colonies will be sampled and sent back by the keeper for us to analyse. We will use samples to assess the presence of parasites and diseases in the bee colonies, to identify the varieties of plants that they pollinate, and for genetic study.

Sample kits will be provided by us; an initial kit will be given when the swarm traps are set up, and more kits will be sent to keepers after a swarm moves in! Kits will come ready with a mailing address and instructions on how to collect and handle samples for them to be sent back to us. Samples will need to be collected and sent back roughly twice a month. Specific features to look out for when sampling: o Bees of different life stages o pollen sacs o wing fraying o (These are examples for now, specifics will be refined and updated) More detailed information about collection and preparation will be in the kit instructions.

Native bees are extremely important! Unfortunately, they are hard to survey in a systematic way, so we will have to focus on honey bees to start with. Native bees will be investigated after more data and resources are collected. We will look at both populations eventually, and our current method will allow us to look at native bees in a broader perspective.

Definitely! Please reach out to us for ideas.

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