In this episode I talk with Dr Mark Hall about native bees and other pollinators, and the critical roles they play in both natural ecosystems and modified landscapes. Native bees are often overlooked, yet they provide irreplaceable pollination services that differ fundamentally from those of introduced honey bees. We discuss Mark’s research on native bees in fragmented habitats, how native pollinators differ from honey bees, and the plants and habitat features they depend on. We also explore what gardeners and bushland regenerators can do to better support native bee diversity.

Dr Mark Hall completed his PhD in 2018 on how the composition of wooded habitat in modified landscapes affects bird and pollinator assemblages, under the supervision of Andrew Bennett (La Trobe University) and Dale Nimmo (Charles Sturt University). Since then, he has investigated pollinator diversity, health, management, and their contribution to crop production. Since 2020, Mark has partnered with the Upper Campaspe Landcare Network to identify habitat and floral preferences of pollinators—including bees, flies, wasps, butterflies and beetles—and to guide effective restoration across the Upper Campaspe region in central Victoria. He is currently the Senior Biodiversity Officer with the City of Greater Bendigo.

Email comments, feedback or content suggestions to karljust3@gmail.com