Experts looking for bee hives in Co Kildare for research project

Scientists at NUI Galway have appealed for help in studying whether native Irish honey bees still exist in the wild.

The researchers are keen to find hives or colonies in garden sheds, abandoned houses and castles, woodlands, houses and outbuildings.

Already over 20 hives have been reported by the public, and a further seven long-term colonies have also been notified to the team.

Honey bees play a vital role in the pollination of crops and flowers, but populations are declining due to pesticides, disease and loss of natural habitat.

At least three bee species have become extinct in Ireland within the last 80 years and it is reported that around one third of Ireland’s 98 existing bee species having become endangered.

Scientists think that if they still exist, the native Irish honey bees' gene pool may be used to combat a mite which is destroying hives all around the globe.

"Ideally we would like to identify hives that people know have been continually active for periods of more than two-three years", said Professor Grace McCormack, of NUI Galway's Zoology Department, who is leading the project.

If you think you know where there could be a wild hive you can email [email protected], call 091 494490 or visit the Bee Genes Facebook Page.