Bumble bees are synonymous with summer, buzzing about pollinating flowers and crops. Now, one common North American bee may be joining the more than 70 pollinator species listed as endangered. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has found that petitions for nine new animal species may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, including […]
Originally native to Eurasia and Africa, honeybees were brought to North America in the 17th century, according to Phys.org. For centuries, they flourished, until colony collapse disorder, along with habitat loss, pesticide use, diseases, invasive species and climate change caused their numbers to decline. In a new study, Dillon J. Travis and Joshua R. Kohn, […]
The rusty patched bumble bee is one of the many bees facing threats to its survival, from toxic insecticides to loss of habitat and global heating. Once prevalent throughout the upper midwestern and northeastern U.S., this unique bumble bee species has declined more than 85 percent and now lives only in the northernmost portion of […]
Organic farming methods mean less pesticides in our soil and food. They ensure agricultural runoff won’t contain toxic chemicals that can make their way into our waterways, polluting the water supply and potentially harming wildlife and ecosystems. They also consider animal welfare. So why do farmers continue to use synthetic pesticides? The answer is simple: […]
As trees and flowers blossom in spring, bees emerge from their winter nests and burrows. For many species it’s time to mate, and some will start new solitary nests or colonies.
Urban environments can be stressful places for wild animals. They are not only exposed to loud noises, vehicles and humans, but to other environmental stressors like lack of adequate food sources and fragmented habitats. In a new study, researchers from Canada’s York University looked at the increased environmental stressors — such as difficulty finding mates […]
Pollinators are crucial for growing the food we eat and supporting the diverse plant life that sustains our ecosystems. When feeding on pollen or nectar for energy, pollinators carry pollen from the stamen of the flower to the stigma, which fertilizes the plant so it can produce fruit and seeds. While honeybees and bumblebees might […]
A new study raises concerns over the rise in urban beekeeping, as researchers say it could be negatively impacting wild bees. Urban beekeeping could be especially harmful for smaller bees that have limited foraging ranges. A team led by researchers at Concordia University compared bee populations, collecting data from 15 sites around Montreal in 2013 […]
Quick Key Facts What Are ‘Pollinators’? A pollinator transports pollen from the stamen (male part) of the flower of a plant to the stigma (female part) of the original or another flower. Moving the pollen is necessary to fertilize the plant so that it can produce fruit, seeds and new plants. While the pollen of […]