Creating a Buzz: Hawaiiʻs Yellow-Faced Bees

Hawaiʻi has a single group of native bees belonging to the genus Hylaeus and known collectively as Hawaiian yellow-faced bees. The majority of the 63 endemic species have experienced significant declines in range and population and many have not been seen in decades. In 2016, seven species received federal protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Join us to learn about Hawaii's yellow-faced bees--including one endangered coastal species, H. anthracinus, that is especially vulnerable--and hear what's being done to save them. Our guest presenter is Dr. Sheldon Plentovich, restoration ecologist with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. At the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sheldon holds a very cool position as Pacific Island Coastal Program Coordinator where she works with partners to conduct collaborative ecosystem restoration.