Bee without Borders : Dr. Patrick L. Kohl Wild populations of honeybee in Europe: working definitions, current state of knowledge, and open questions

A common challenge for those interested in wild honeybees is to define (and defend) their subject given the common linguistic distinction between “honeybees” and “wild bees”. This talk will discuss common misconceptions regarding the domestication status of honeybees and explain our working definitions of “wild” for the species. I will argue for the formal recognition of wild honeybee subpopulations and provide insights into their current conservation status in Europe. As an outlook, I will introduce how comparative genomic studies can provide important insights to improve definitions and promote effective wild honeybee conservation.

Dr. Patrick L Kohl is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Livestock Population Genomics at the University of Hohenheim. He currently holds a DFG-funded Walter Benjamin position to investigate genetic differences between wild and managed honeybees. For his work on the demography, parasite burden and limiting factors of wild honeybee populations in Germany he was awarded a doctorate by the University of Würzburg in 2023.

Participation in the conference is free of charge.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82350215032?pwd=nnCNag1QKi56MICuN42vka4NObOefk.1
Meeting-ID: 823 5021 5032
Kenncode: 787917