Bees That Buzz Around The World Numbers Fall
Every year tens of trillions of bees from 20,000 different species fly around the world creating joy and pollinating the world to save the wildlife. It is thanks to the work of bees that 75% of crops produce food that we eat to live. However, the bee numbers are starting to fall for lots of different reasons.
First of all, climate change has changed lots of bees’ living conditions because it is changing the time when the flowers start to bud and emerge which is the main source of food so they might die. Normally, bees stay in the same place, but certain types of bees are starting to migrate to places further north. However, most bees’ species cannot adapt as easily.
Also, there is the reason of habitat loss and intense farming. It is vital that they have lots of flowers to feed off. Julie Hayes told us that “People can help save bees by setting aside small patches of their gardens for wildflowers and planting bee friendly flowers.”. This is one of the many ways that we can help the bees start thriving and living again. Since the Second World War, the world has lost 97% of our wildflower meadows meaning bees have less flowers and food.
Another reason is the pesticides that have been spread around different places, killing lots of insects. Pesticides are designed to kill unwanted pests, but their toxic properties are spread elsewhere also harming beneficial insects such as bees. Also, Julie Hayes said “I think bees are vital to the ecosystem as they pollinate so many flowers and trees.” The bees try to collect the pollen from the flowers that the farmers are growing but they put the pesticides in so they eat the toxic matter.
Finally, some species of bees, such as Carpenter bees are not naturally found in the British Isles can become established here without posing any problems. Others can be disruptive to native species. For example, the Asian Hornet, which recently arrived in the UK could devastate British bee species if they took hold and the small hive beetle could damage Honeybee and Bumblebee colonies if it arrived here. So, the bees would not be able to defend themselves from them.
Most people have bees for the honey and this year the bees have a got lots of honey. Julie Hayes says, “It is also convenient when harvesting very heavy supers full of honey!” This implies that the bees are not declining badly right now but it might get worse in the next few years. As well, Julie talks about keeping bees for “They are great pollinators for my flowers and fruit trees.”. Also, Julie says, “I like to keep an eye on their activities regularly, it can help with seeing how quickly they are growing in a colony.” This means they are still growing if you give them a home and food.
Reported by Arthur W
