A NEW global study, led by University of Wollongong evolutionary biologist Dr James Dorey, suggests thousands of bee species worldwide may still be undiscovered, reshaping understanding of biodiversity and conservation needs.
The study, published in Nature Communications, is the first to calculate bee species numbers at global, continental and country levels, estimating there are at least 3,700 to 5,200 more species than currently recorded.
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This raises the worldwide total to between 24,705 and 26,164 species, offering what researchers describe as the most comprehensive count to date.
The findings suggest many bee species remain unclassified or overlooked, highlighting gaps in scientific knowledge that are important for conservation and food security.
Dorey said knowing how many species exist in a place, or within a group such as bees, shapes approaches to conservation, land management and broader scientific questions about evolution and ecosystems.
He added that bees are keystone species whose diversity supports healthy environments and resilient agriculture.
Using global datasets, taxonomic records, country checklists and statistical estimators of species richness, the team assessed bee diversity across 186 countries and found Europe has relatively few undiscovered species compared with parts of Africa, Asia and Central and South America where high diversity coincides with limited research capacity and funding.
The researchers said clearer estimates of global bee diversity underscore the need to protect biodiversity amid ongoing environmental change.
