Following the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires in Australia, native bee populations faced significant habitat loss. Research published on June 25, 2025, in the journal *Insects* highlights the effectiveness of bee hotels in supporting their recovery.
Dr. Kit Prendergast from the University of Southern Queensland led a study in Western Australia's Jarrah forests, which were severely impacted by the fires. The team installed 1,000 bee hotels across five sites in August 2021.
The study revealed that bee hotels significantly boosted native bee activity, with over 800 nests occupied. However, the presence of introduced honeybees posed a challenge, as they competed for resources. Excluding beekeeping from fire-affected areas is recommended to aid native bee recolonization.
This research emphasizes the importance of habitat restoration and the strategic use of bee hotels. These structures provide crucial nesting sites, aiding the recovery of vital pollinators and ecosystem health. Dr. Prendergast's e-book provides further conservation strategies.
These initiatives are vital for preserving Australia's unique pollinators and ensuring the resilience of its natural environments in the face of climate change and bushfires.