Wild bee census produces a few surprises

Slovenian researchers have carried out the first ever systematic census of the population of wild bee species in the country. Some of the results are surprising, including the discovery of one species previously not found on Slovenian territory.

A total of 575 species of wild bees have previously been identified in the country, but the census, carried out in five areas in central Slovenia, turned up only 239 species.

"It is difficult to say whether this is a small or large number," said the head of the research project, National Institute of Biology researcher Danilo Bevk.