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Monitoring Free-Living Honeybee Colonies in Germany: Insights Into Habitat Preferences, Survival Rates, and Citizen
Benjamin Rutschmann1,2,3, Felix Remter1,4,5, Sebastian Roth1
1BEEtree-Monitor Munich Germany.
Ecology and Evolution
|June 9, 2025
Summary
Free-living western honeybees (Apis mellifera) primarily nest in buildings and trees, but annual survival rates are low (12%). Citizen science data shows higher survival (29%) but is prone to reporting biases, requiring standardized monitoring for accurate conservation insights.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Zoology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Honeybee (Apis mellifera) research predominantly focuses on managed apiaries, neglecting wild populations.
- Understanding free-living honeybee ecology is crucial for effective conservation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the habitats, nesting preferences, and survival rates of free-living honeybee colonies.
- To identify and address potential biases in Citizen Science data collection for honeybee monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Combined personal monitoring of nest sites in Munich (N=107) with Citizen Science data across Germany (N=423).
- Collected 2555 observations over 7 years from 311 participants.
- Analyzed nesting site preferences (buildings, trees) and annual survival rates.
Main Results:
- Free-living honeybees occupied 31% of nest sites in buildings and 63% in mature trees, with varied preferences by area type.
- Annual survival rates for personally monitored colonies in Munich averaged 12%, contrasting with higher Citizen Science reports (29%).
- Citizen Science data exhibited biases, including underreporting of abandoned sites and overlap between overwintering and swarming seasons.
Conclusions:
- Reliable Citizen Science data requires consistent reporting and consideration of regional swarming periods.
- Preserving mature trees with cavities and providing nesting sites are vital for wild honeybee conservation.
- Standardized data collection protocols are recommended for future honeybee monitoring projects.
