We have to stop seeing bumblebees as secondary actors in the pollination problem.
Every year their number decreases and some species are already in danger of extinction. In particular, four bumblebees have declined over much of their range in recent decades—Franklin’s bumblebee (Bombus franklini), Patchwork bumblebee (Bombus affinis), Western bumblebee (Bombus occidentalis), and American bumblebee (Bombus affinis).
Researchers are currently working to determine the causes of these declines, but possible factors include habitat loss, climate change, the spread of pathogens and the use of pesticides.
From 2BeeWorld we want to raise awareness about the lack of knowledge about the pollinating role that bumblebees play on our planet.
Bumblebees are very efficient and effective pollinators, visiting a large number of flowers per minute and transferring more pollen to the stigma than other pollinators… This benefits cross-pollination, which is necessary in fruit and seed crops.
Our furry friends are wonderful creatures vital for sustainable pollination.
Let’s protect their environments and we will be helping to improve the world!
In this excellent article, Carli Nairn reflects on this matter:
“The honeybee may get all the glory, but the humble bumblebee deserves more recognition — and a fighting chance”
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