Honey bee-native bee competition: focal point for environmental change and apicultural response in Australia

Do honey bees compete for food with other bee species in nature? This question has been the focus of considerable scientific and political attention in recent years, especially, but not exclusively in Australia. In this article we provide the background and rationale of the argument and present scientific studies which have attempted to provide evidence. We also suggest some approaches to dealing with real issues related to honey bee competition, bee conservation, and honey bee management.