From the other side of the Atlantic. Yes, bees are still ‘IMPORTANT’!

A Conversation with Professor Harry Siviter.

Professor Harry Siviter very graciously agreed to be interviewed amidst his move to the University of Bristol. Despite the time difference, he was extremely kind to share some of his thoughts on bees. He has always been interested in animal behavior and cognition, and his interest in bees came much later. He mentioned he has worked with a variety of animals, however, he keeps coming back to bees, specifically, bumblebees. There is one minor challenge though, which he doesn’t let get in his way, Prof Siviter is allergic to bees! However, his interest in ecological questions drives him to work with bees currently. Perhaps because ‘due to environmental changes there has been wildlife decline.’

‘Important’ is the word that comes to his mind when he thinks of bees. According to the professor, we are heavily reliant on them, and that’s why many researchers investigate them. We have a vested interest in bees. If they disappear from the Earth, then there are huge social and economic ramifications. He urges teens who are interested in the natural world and bees to go out and look for them, specifically, look out for wild bees. There is a huge diversity of bees in North America. And unlike many other animals, bees are just a step away, in our backyard.

Over the last several years, Professor Siviter has been working on the understanding of insecticide usage. For example, he found that Neonicotinoid insecticides have detrimental effects on bees in general, more so, such insecticides negatively influence bumblebee colony growth.

Want to know about Professor Siviter's work on social learning in Bumblebees?

Go to: https://siviterharry.wixsite.com/harrysiviter/copy-of-past-lizard-egg-incubation

Also, check out his interesting blog posts: https://siviterharry.wixsite.com/harrysiviter/blog