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Why are native bees ‘the bees knees’ of Australian ecosystems?
August 28, 2019 @ 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Pollinators drive biodiversity with over 75% of the world’s plants needing insect pollinators in order to reproduce. These pollinators provide ecosystem services in the natural landscapes as well as in agriculture and urban environments.
Australia has around 1,700 species of native bees, with more species being discovered each year. Native bees are important pollinators of Australia’s wildflowers. They also make an important contribution to Australian agriculture, through crop pollination. Populations of native bees can be threatened by land clearing and pesticide use.
At these special forums, learn more about native bees and other pollinators, their habitat requirements and how to improve the biodiversity of your property to increase native bee populations and benefit from the services they provide as specialised crop pollinators.
Speakers:
Native bees and protecting their habitat – Kit Prendergast – PhD candidate, Curtin University WA (via video)
Native bees and crop pollination (canola, fruits and vegetable production) – Dr Katja Hogendoorn – Research Associate, University of Adelaide
Victorian native bees as crop pollinators and things farmers can do to increase native bee numbers on farms – Dr Julian Brown – Postdoc Research Fellow, Australian National University
Hover flies and other important invertebrates- Karen Thomas – Port Phillip & Westernport CMA
Free event. Morning tea provided. Registrations essential.
Register online at www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au/beesknees or contact Karen Thomas 0427 480 170 or karen.thomas@ppwcma.vic.gov.au
Date: Wednesday 28th August 2019
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Location: Bayles Public Hall – 660 Kooweerup Longwarry Rd, Bayles VIC