DOCTOR Tim Heard says there is a possibility that some species of bees in Australia could become extinct due to human activity.
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Dr Heard was in Port Macquarie on October 11 to talk about keeping native stingless bees for conservation reasons.
As an entomologist and former CSIRO research scientists Dr Heard is passionate about native bees.
He said the native stingless bees are attractive insects to keep as pets, as they are social creatures which do produce a small amount of honey with an interesting flavour.
The population of Australian bees is difficult to monitor Dr Heard said, but in certain habitats they are under threat.
The carpenter bee relies on its environment to survive but due to the clearing of its natural habitat it is no longer thriving.
“The Green Carpenter Bee used to be very common in both New South Wales and South Australia,” he said.
“There are very limited numbers now in New South Wales and they are virtually extinct on the mainland of South Australia but can be found on Kangaroo Island.”
Dr Heard said the social stingless bee can thrive in areas occupied by humans and play a vital role in helping the native environment.
“Recognition that these insects are important helps to conserve them,” Mr Heard said.
