Bumblebee populations have declined by 90 percent in the past 20 years, according to Environment America. Scientists have long known that a number of factors are contributing to this decline, including the use of pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change. However, a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution has revealed a "major" new factor that may be playing a role: overheating.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada, found that bumblebees are becoming increasingly susceptible to heat stress as a result of rising global temperatures. This is because bumblebees are not very good at regulating their body temperature. In fact, they rely on the sun to warm up their muscles before they can fly.
However, as temperatures rise, bumblebees are spending more time in the shade to avoid overheating. This is reducing the amount of time they have to forage for food, which is leading to declines in their populations.
The researchers also found that overheating is having a negative impact on bumblebee reproduction. When bumblebees are stressed, they produce fewer eggs and their offspring are less healthy. This is further contributing to the decline of bumblebee populations.
The study's findings are concerning because they suggest that climate change may be making bumblebees even more vulnerable to other threats, such as pesticides and habitat loss. If these threats are not addressed, bumblebees could face extinction in some parts of the world.
What can we do to help bumblebees?
There are a number of things that we can do to help bumblebees, including:
Planting bee-friendly flowers. Bumblebees need nectar and pollen to survive, so planting flowers that bloom at different times of the year can help to provide them with a continuous food source. Some good bee-friendly flowers include lavender, poppies, sunflowers, and foxgloves.
Reducing our use of pesticides. Pesticides can kill bumblebees and other pollinators, so it is important to use them sparingly. If you must use pesticides, choose ones that are least toxic to bees.
Creating bee habitats. Bumblebees need places to nest, so providing them with a habitat can help to increase their populations. You can create bee habitat by leaving patches of uncut grass in your yard, providing dead wood for nesting sites, and building bee hotels.
Supporting conservation organizations. There are a number of organizations that are working to conserve bumblebees. You can support these organizations by donating money or volunteering your time. By taking these steps, we can help to protect bumblebees and ensure that they continue to play an important role in our ecosystems.
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Source: Newsweek
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