Updated May 22, 2018 14:26:28

Pollination lovers around the world celebrated the first ever World Bee Day on the weekend, drawing attention to the central role bees play in ecosystems everywhere.

There has been growing discussion around Australia's live export industry and even calls to ban the live export of sheep from Australian shores. But did you know that Australia also sends live bees abroad?

With much of the world experiencing a global bee crisis, Australia remains one of the only countries free from the Varroa destructor mite.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources over the past four years Australia has exported more than 45 million bees to Canada to help revive its population and to help keep crops pollinated.

Infographic: Australia has exported over 45 million live bees to Canada in the past 4 years

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Topics: trade, ecology, pests, beekeeping, australia, canada

First posted May 22, 2018 10:12:04