The masked bee, Hylaeus navai, was first formally described in 2024. Researchers analysing historic records and recent fieldwork found that its population has fallen by about 99 % over the past 150 years, a decline that qualifies it as critically endangered.

Dr James Dorey, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Wollongong, says the collapse lines up with the period of colonisation in Fiji. European settlement brought extensive habitat destruction and the likely introduction of agricultural pesticides, both of which put pressure on the tiny pollinator.

Natural events also add to the threat. Frequent cyclones damage the forest patches where the bee nests, and the species is attracted to the bright red flowers of the African tulip plant – a non‑native species that is poisonous to many bees. These factors together create a perfect storm for the bee’s survival.

Genome analysis of the few specimens collected revealed a high frequency of harmful mutations. Dr Dorey explained that the mutation pattern lets scientists estimate past population sizes and confirms that the species is now critically endangered.

The study was carried out by University of Wollongong scientists Nikolas Johnston, Tegan Edwards and James Dorey. They stress that more local research and monitoring in Fiji are essential to identify remaining populations and to develop conservation actions before the bee disappears completely.