Calling all citizen scientists – the search for native honey bees across Galway is on.
Bee researchers at the University of Galway are calling on gardeners and nature enthusiasts to report sightings of Ireland’s endangered native honey bee.
The black bee, as it is known, is distinguishable by the dark bands on its abdomen and its small size in comparison with other bee species.
According to Professor Grace MacCormack from the Honey Bee Research Centre at UG, “there is a large gap in [their] knowledge” on the number of black bees in Ireland.
They are most commonly sighted in wild colonies, of which there are more than 190 recorded in County Galway alone.
The species was declared endangered by the Irish Union for Conservation of Nature in October 2025, stating that they are “seriously threatened due to unnecessary imports of [non-native species]”.
To better understand black bees and pollinator activity in Galway, and to develop conservation measures and sustainable management strategies, citizens are urged to report sightings of these elusive creatures.
The research team want to hear from anyone with information on black bee apiaries, hives, or nest sightings in your area, as well as black bees feeding on pollinator-friendly plants in gardens.
Contact Pamela Madigan at [email protected], or Grace McCormack at [email protected].
