Colony Bees, based in Mullumbimby, are pleased to advise that a native nest of the Apidae family has made home inside the hollow of an old growth tree on Bundjalung Country.
A queen and her maidens are now self sustaining, living among a broader ecological community of pollinators, in the Byron Shire of Northern Rivers.
Increased swarms
Since the establishment of the Community Bee Sanctuary, records of swarming in the area have increased, showing signs of an improved genetic resilience through natural reproduction. Research is continuing, to explore this area and find ways to protect these species and their habitat for future generations.
This symbiosis between plant and animal shows such a wonderful coexistence in nature and is depicted in art for thousands of years. It is well and truly alive in culture today with conservationists implementing re-wilding strategies across nations in service of the bee.
Observations of a fellow bee guardian noted ‘their bodies are darker in colour and show similar morphological characteristics to the black bee’.
It is excellent to see such a healthy ecosystem of pollinators including apis, sugarbag and amegilla blue banded bees contributing to the vitality and longevity of plant life, and to the cultivation of food for birds and other animals.
New ways to observe bees
Citizen science monitoring is now also using sound as a medium to observe certain frequencies within the hive ranging from 7.83 Hz to 888 Hz as an indicator of activity and health. The frequency of these nests creates a mellifluous hum which is potentially due to the free form comb building structure created within.
Colony Bees is a local environmental charity, and partner organisation with Mullum SEED. They focus on native pollinator health and ecosystem restoration.
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