A study suggests the likelihood of a bumblebee population surviving in any given place has declined by 30%
in the course of a single human generation. The researchers say the rates of decline appear to be
“consistent with a mass extinction”. Peter Soroye, a PhD student at the University of Ottawa and the
study’s lead author, said: “We found that populations were disappearing in areas where the temperatures
had gotten hotter. If declines continue at this pace, many of these species could vanish forever within
a few decades.” The team used data collected over a 115-year period on 66 bumblebee species across
North America and Europe to develop a model simulating “climate chaos” scenarios. They were able to
see how bumblebee populations had changed over the years by comparing where the insects were
now to where they used to be. Bumblebees play a key role in pollinating crops such as tomatoes, squash
and berries. The researchers say their methods could be used to predict extinction risk and identify areas
where conservation actions are needed. Dr Tim Newbold, of University College London’s Centre for
Biodiversity & Environment Research, said: “We were surprised by how much climate change has already
caused bumblebee declines. Our findings suggest that much larger declines are likely if climate change
accelerates in the coming years, showing that we need substantial efforts to reduce climate change if
we are to preserve bumblebee diversity.”
Guardian Press
Save The Bees Concert 