The Australian Colony Loss Survey provides valuable hive management and hive health data for the beekeeping industry.

This survey provides critical data to support and guide the Australian beekeeping industry as it navigates an increasingly complex set of challenges. Covering key issues such as Varroa mite management, queen health and failure, seasonal pressures, and broader biosecurity risks, the survey offers a comprehensive snapshot of current industry conditions.

Importantly, more beekeeper participation in the Australian Colony Loss Survey is the key to making the survey as valuable as possible to all stakeholders.

Take a look at the 2025 New Zealand Coloss Result snapshots below. The NZ Coloss survey has been operational since 2015, this has given a voice to the NZ beekeepers with longitudinal data to support their industry.

 

 

The image 2, above shows data between 2015 through to 2025 of causes of winter losses.

Clearly identifying the gradual impact of varroa on winter colony losses in NZ over time but it is also identifying a steady continuation of losses attributed to queen problems, starvation and wasps. This longitudinal data is like a time-lapse of beekeeping in NZ—by taking part in surveys over time, you can help build a clearer picture of how experiences, choices, and trends really change, not just how they look in a single moment.

AHBIC recently hosted a short industry survey which was useful in capturing a snapshot in time of beekeepers who have considered exiting industry, we are utilising that data to advocate to government for actionable change in the coming weeks. Although the survey results are important, they are being used in the short term to give us clear industry situational awareness and data to share with government.

AHBIC is still urging Australian beekeepers to commit to the Australian Colony Loss Survey in 2026 to make sure all the important industry matters are captured and recorded now and into the future.

Some important findings from 2025 Australian Colony Loss Survey:

AHBIC will be playing a key role in taking the Australian Colony Loss Survey forward in 2026. We are looking forward to implementing a steering committee and taking feedback to address industry concerns, new ideas or questions to be added and any changes industry stakeholders may have moving forward. Please reach out to bianca@honeybee.org.au for questions you may have.

Stay up to date! Register to be informed about 2026 Australian Colony Loss Survey:

 

 

 

Check out the Australian Colony Loss Website: https://colonyloss.au/

 

Australian Colony Loss Report 2025 Click Here

The 2025 annual survey supported by funding through The National Varroa Mite Management Program, delivered by AHBIC and managed by AgriFutures Australia was conducted to collect national data and monitor changes in colony loss over time.

The 2025 report highlights the ongoing efforts of beekeepers across Australia to maintain colony health and sustain pollination services. The Australian Colony Loss Survey 2025 aims to strengthen industry resilience by providing evidence-based insights, supporting informed decision-making, and contributing to a sustainable future for Australian apiculture.