New research from Curtin University has revealed that the effects of bushfires and prescribed burns on global bee populations are highly diverse. Some bee species thrive in the aftermath of fires, while others face significant threats. The study, led by Dr. Kit Prendergast from Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, analyzed 148 studies worldwide to understand the varying impacts of fire on bees.
The review focused on several factors, including the severity, frequency, and duration of fires, as well as the specific characteristics of different bee species. These traits include nesting habits, body size, dietary specialisation, and whether the bees are solitary or social. Dr. Prendergast noted that while the decline in pollinator numbers is increasingly recognised as a major threat to biodiversity and sustainability, knowledge about their responses to fires—especially those intensified by climate change—has been limited.
“Our findings indicate that ground-nesting bees and those with a diverse diet often thrive in the open, sunny 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 are far more vulnerable. Fires can obliterate their nesting sites and the plants they rely on for food.”
Significant Research Gaps Identified
The study highlights notable research gaps, particularly concerning ecosystems in the Southern Hemisphere, where fire-prone environments are common. Despite Australia housing a rich diversity of native bees and some of the world’s most fire-affected landscapes, there is a lack of comprehensive research into how these unique species cope with fire.
Co-author Associate Professor Bill Bateman, also from Curtin’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, emphasised the need for tailored fire management strategies to support biodiversity. “This review demonstrates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fire management. While fire can be beneficial for some bees, it can be catastrophic for others,” he said.
To safeguard bee diversity, land managers should consider strategies beyond simple hazard reduction. This includes leaving unburnt refuges, maintaining habitat connectivity, and employing a mosaic approach to burning across landscapes. This is particularly crucial in Australia, where ecosystems and bee species have evolved under different fire regimes than those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Recommendations for Fire Management
The researchers recommend that fire management plans incorporate measures to support the survival and recovery of native bees. Their vital role in pollination, food security, and overall ecosystem health cannot be overstated.
The full study, titled “Bees feeling the burn: how fire affects global bee biodiversity,” is published in Biological Reviews and can be accessed via doi: 10.1111/brv.70082. This research is a crucial step toward understanding how to better protect bee populations in an era marked by increasing fire risks.
