Charismatic insect species, of which the honeybee is a prime example, serve as invaluable ambassadors for the field of entomology, rendering the subject more accessible to the public and bringing to public attention this often-overlooked animal group. The concentrations of high numbers of hives in a small number of specific geographical areas may have detrimental effects on wild pollinator species due to resource competition. Consequently, there is a need to extend the range of conservation e...

Charismatic insect species, of which the honeybee is a prime example, serve as invaluable ambassadors for the field of entomology, rendering the subject more accessible to the public and bringing to public attention this often-overlooked animal group. The concentrations of high numbers of hives in a small number of specific geographical areas may have detrimental effects on wild pollinator species due to resource competition. Consequently, there is a need to extend the range of conservation efforts to include the over 270 wild species of bees in the UK, acknowledging the importance of preserving the entire spectrum of biodiversity for a more Type: conclusion | Number: 9 | Paragraph: 72 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: The National Bee Unit (NBU, part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency) includes 60 Bee Inspectors who deliver the Bee Health Programmes on behalf of Defra and wider government. Expanding the role of the NBU to include a focus on wild bee health wou