Bumblebee EIS Proposed Methodology

Kaye Hergstrom

Bumblebee Research Officer

Tasmanian Museum

YEAR 1

National workshop (November 25-26, 1999)

Survey of B. terrestris distribution and feeding activities within Tasmania.

• A broad survey conducted by members of the community
• A scientific research survey

Investigation into B. terrestris queen competition for nesting sites

Further studies (implemented between 1999 & 2002)

• To investigate the potential to survive in native bushlands at sites distant (>8 km) from urban gardens
• To investigate competition with native bees for a limited resource
• To investigate the effects of nectar robbing by B. terrestris on Epacris spp.
• To relate numbers of native bees on flowers to their colony strength
• To investigate/confirm reports of bumblebees sighted in wilderness areas
• To investigate the potential to survive in native bushlands at sites distant (at least 8 km) from the floral resources of urban gardens
• To record the incidence and relative numbers of bumblebees foraging on bird pollinated plants
• To record the incidence of predation on bumblebee colonies by vertebrates and invertebrates

YEAR 2

A study of the incidence of parasites and diseases on B. terrestris in Tasmania.

YEAR 3

A study to investigate the influence of B.terrestris and other pollination agents on pollination of weed species.

At project completion, prepare and publish an environmental impact assessment.

Project Schedule

Public census on pollinators

• Where are bumblebees occurring?
• What plants species are preferred by bumblebees?
• Will bumblebees establish in wilderness areas?

Scientific surveys and studies

• Can bumblebees and native bees coexist?
• What is the likelihood of bumblebees affecting native pollinator populations?
• What is their likely impact on the local ecosystems in urban areas, rural areas, native bush areas?
• Will native flora limit the permanent establishment of bumblebees in native areas?
• Are climatic factors limiting the spread and establishment of bumblebees?
• Is the availability of nesting sites limiting their establishment?
• Is predation of nests a factor limiting establishment in bush areas?

Survey of parasites and diseases

• What is the likelihood that bumblebee diseases will threaten other bee species?
• Will local parasites or diseases limit feral bumblebee populations?

Pollination studies on weed species

• What is the likelihood of bumblebees increasing the weed status of exotic plant species?
• Will their presence reduce limitations on current weed species?

Proposed weed species to be studied:

Plants that are already serious weed problems: