Backyard Buzz turns its attention to two vital parts of Victoria’s urban and forest ecosystems.

Urban ecologist Clancy Lester joins presenter Ben Cullen to unpack the extraordinary diversity of Australia’s native bees - from blue-banded buzz pollinators to solitary species with specialist relationships to native plants. He explains how urban gardens, native planting, and small habitat changes can support bee diversity, and why messy spaces and bee hotels make a real difference.

Later, Arabella Eyre, Threatened Species Coordinator at Zoos Victoria, discusses efforts to protect one of Australia’s most endangered animals: the Leadbeater’s possum. She outlines the species’ reliance on old-growth forests, the impacts of fire and habitat loss, and the intensive conservation work underway - including nest boxes, genetic rescue, and predator-proof fencing.

Both Clancy and Arabella agree, "In understanding our native flora and fauna, we take the first steps to protect it."