Conservation status of the endemic European Dark Honey Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) in Belgium & Netherlands

Due to past and present imports of Apis mellifera ligustica (Italian bees), Apis mellifera carnica (Carniolan bees) and the Buckfast bee (a hybrid strain) across its entire natural range, the European Dark Honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is currently threatened with extinction by genetic pollution through hybridization. In the past, genomic research has shown the European Dark Honey bee was still present in the Belgian Chimay area and on the Dutch North Sea Isle of Texel. However, as the risk of beekeepers importing non-native honey bees into the area remains, which could rapidly threaten... Mehr ...