European Honeybees were introduced into Australia in 1822 because the native bees were not good at pollinating European plants and crops. These bees live in groups or hives and make delicious honey.
Australia is home to over 2000 species of native bees which are important pollinators, ensuring the survival of plants and therefore the food we eat. In fact over 70 per cent of our food crops rely on pollinators such as bees. Some of these foods include macadamias, mangos and watermelons.
Did you know? Grain crops are in the plant family of grasses and are wind-pollinated, so don’t need bees.
Listen to "Bizarre BEE-haviour PODCAST (only up to 4.55)"