Why we should save the bees, especially the wild bees who need our help most

Why we should save the bees, especially the wild bees who need our help most

Bees: Essential Pollinators

Bees play a vital role in pollinating wild flowering plants and crops, making them indispensable to the ecosystem. The term "bee" encompasses a diverse range of species, from honeybees to bumblebees and mason bees, each with its unique characteristics and importance. While the importance of saving bees is widely acknowledged, the focus often centers on a single species: the European honeybee (Apis mellifera).

The European Honeybee: A Familiar Face

The European honeybee, also known as the western honeybee, is the most recognized bee species. Recognized by its distinctive black-and-yellow stripes, these bees live in densely populated hives, converting pollen and nectar into the honey we commonly find in farmer's markets and grocery stores. Although they are crucial pollinators for specific crops like almonds and lemons, they are not native to the United States. Imported from Europe in the 17th century, they have since become valuable agricultural partners.

The Wealth of Native Bee Species

In the United States, honeybees are just one part of the bee population. There are over 4,000 species of native bees that have existed in the country long before honeybees arrived and continue to thrive. Native bee species exhibit an array of sizes, ranging from the world's smallest bee, Perdita minima (less than 2mm), to larger bees like the shiny black common carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica (over an inch). Their colors span from traditional black and yellow to the striking blue of the orchard mason bee, Osmia lignaria. Astonishingly, science has yet to name or describe around 1/10th of the bee species in the United States.

Regardless of their size or level of discovery, every native bee plays a crucial role as a pollinator. They excel in pollinating a wide variety of crops, including squash, tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, and cranberries. Additionally, native bees specialize in pollinating the wild flowering plants native to their regions.

Honeybees: Not Endangered but Facing Challenges

Honeybees face significant annual losses due to factors such as "colony collapse disorder," where hives suddenly lose most of their workers. In 2022, American beekeepers experienced nearly a 50% loss of their hives due to colony collapse. While this phenomenon is a distressing loss and detriment to beekeepers' livelihoods, it's important to note that honeybees are not globally endangered. The planet currently hosts more honeybee hives than ever before.

Wild Bee Species in Peril

In contrast, over 700 native U.S. bee species are facing population declines. Some of these include the rusty patched bumblebee, whose population decreased by 90% before it gained endangered species status, and the American bumblebee, which has witnessed a 90% reduction in numbers since 2000 and has vanished from eight states. The list of endangered native bee species is extensive, including the Gulf Coast solitary bee, the macropis cuckoo bee, and the sunflower leafcutting bee.

Shared Threats and Solutions

Both honeybees and wild bees are threatened by toxic pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. Neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides, pose a significant danger to all bee species, causing issues ranging from uncontrollable shaking and paralysis in honeybees to impairing baby bumblebee brains. While research hasn't directly assessed the impact of neonicotinoids on all native bee species in the U.S., evidence suggests a 20% drop in offspring production for blue orchard bees exposed to these chemicals as larvae.

The key to protecting bee populations, both wild and domestic, is ensuring access to nectar and pollen from flowering plants in healthy habitats. Habitat loss, primarily due to urban development, poses a significant threat to bees. Some native bees and plants share specialized partnerships, where a specific bee species exclusively visits and pollinates a particular plant. Therefore, protecting and regrowing native plants in their natural habitat is crucial for preserving bee diversity.

What You Can Do

To save bees of all kinds, you can contribute by reducing pesticide use, advocating for critical habitat protection, and addressing the climate crisis. As urban development encroaches upon bee habitats, bees lose essential food and nesting sites. You can make a difference by urging your governor to support the cultivation of native plants and wildflowers on public lands in your state.

Take action: Support bee-friendly habitat and help save these vital pollinators.

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