Abstract

The ecosystems rely on the complex interaction network between the species for their correct functioning. Alterations of these interactions can damage this network and ultimately damage the ecosystems. The introduction of a species in an area where it is not naturally occurring can be particularly detrimental to the local biodiversity. The pollinator communities play a pivotal role in ecosystems functionality and there are several threats to their persistence. One of these threats is the introduction of honeybees (Apis mellifera) which can represent a major risk to the survival of wild bees, especially in small and fragile contexts. Indeed, the honeybees workers have the potential to competitively exclude wild bees from resource exploitation. The competitive power of honeybees can force the wild bees to shift their diet to worse or more distant resources, thus impacting their fitness. Giannutri island offers the opportunity to evaluate the potential risk of this cohabitation and, if they are present, to mitigate the negative impacts. To assess the potential existence of competition and its entity it is important to use a multidisciplinary approach. This approach can allow us to evaluate alteration in the foraging behaviour of wild bees in relation to the presence or absence of honeybees workers. The evaluation of this type of risk in the early stages of the introduction is a fundamental action to mitigate the potential negative impacts