Honeybees, Our Endangered Partner

Honeybees and Other Pollinators are our endangered partners for the food crops we enjoy. Colony Collapse Disorder describes a rapid decline in bees.

The following is a transcript of the movie (more or less ;-)

Honeybees, Our Endangered Partner

There are many insect pollinators such as solitary bees, bumblebees, hover flies, moths and butterflies. But the most important one to human agriculture is probably the honeybee. These tiny creatures are responsible for pollinating more than a third of our food supply, including fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Each of the two types of Joshua Trees requires a special moth to pollinate

Honeybees have been domesticated for millennia. Evidence of domestication of the Western Honeybee goes back to 2600BC in Eastern Africa. 

These bees live in highly organized societies called colonies. Each bee has a specialized role to play. The queen bee is responsible for laying eggs, while the worker bees like these gather nectar from flowers to make honey. 

The honeybee is still a creature of the wild. Found in giant caves in Nepal, or high in a nearby tree.

Our endangered partner in the wild at the UCR Botanical Gardens

But honeybees face many challenges today, including habitat loss, disease, and the use of pesticides. This has led to a decline in the number of honeybees, which is causing a concern for the future of our food supply.

Honeybees are essential pollinators for many of our crops, playing a critical role in producing the food we eat. Unfortunately, honey bee populations have been declining rapidly in recent years, a phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder or CCD, hence our endangered partner is in trouble.

There are several factors contributing to CCD, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, disease, and climate change. 

Habitat loss has reduced the availability of suitable foraging and nesting sites for honeybees. At the same time, the widespread use of pesticides has poisoned many bees, making it difficult for them to forage and reproduce. 

The Varroa Mite

Disease, and the Varroa mite, have also played a role in decimating bee populations. The mite feeds on the larva form of the bee and weaken the adult emerging adult. The resulting wounds increases the bee's susceptibility to viruses and other diseases.

Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium - Varroa destructor deutonymph

Climate change is affecting the timing of flower blooms, altering the availability of nectar and pollen for bees to feed on.

The decline of honey bee populations has far-reaching impacts on our food supply. With fewer bees to pollinate crops, food production becomes more difficult, leading to increased costs and lower yields. 

In the future, some foods may not be planted if there is not a sufficient population of pollinators to support the crop.

It's crucial that we take action to protect pollinators and the important work they do. This can include reducing the use of harmful pesticides, preserving and creating healthy habitats, and promoting the well-being of bee colonies.

 

We can all play a role in protecting pollinators and ensuring a sustainable food supply for the future. Plant a variety of flowering plants, reduce the use of pesticides, and support sustainable agriculture practices. 

Together, we can make a difference and ensure a bright future for honeybees, other pollinators, and our food supply.

Plant a garden filled with flowers, and avoid using pesticides are just a few ways you can make a difference.