Month: January 2021

First map of bee species, common and rare, around the globe.

January 31, 2021

There are over 20,000 species of bee, but accurate data about how these species are spread across the globe are sparse. However, researchers reporting in the journal Current Biology on November 19 have created a map of bee diversity by combining the most complete global checklist of known bee species with the almost 6 million additional public … More First map of bee species, common and rare, around the globe.

France to ease pesticide ban for sugar beet to curb crop losses

January 28, 2021

PARIS (Reuters) – The French government will propose lifting a ban on certain pesticides blamed for harming bees to protect sugar beet crops that have been ravaged by insects this year, the agriculture ministry said on Thursday. The government plans to support a legislative amendment in parliament later this year to exempt sugar beet for … More France to ease pesticide ban for sugar beet to curb crop losses

Insect populations across the world are plummeting at a startling rate. A report led by The Wildlife Trusts highlights just how dramatic the decline has been over the last few decades—a trend the paper’s authors call “the unnoticed apocalypse.”

January 25, 2021

Six-legged bugs might not attract as much attention or sympathy as larger, cuddlier mammals, the authors say, but their decline has been more dramatic and may have greater ramifications for humanity. The study points to evidence that suggests insect populations may have shrunk 50 percent or more since the 1970s, due to a combination of … More Insect populations across the world are plummeting at a startling rate. A report led by The Wildlife Trusts highlights just how dramatic the decline has been over the last few decades—a trend the paper’s authors call “the unnoticed apocalypse.”

Bee neighborly — sharing bees helps more farmers.

January 22, 2021

Many farmers are used to sharing big equipment — like tractors and other costly machinery — with neighboring farms. Sharing cuts costs, lowers the farmer’s debt load, and increases community wellbeing. But big machinery might not be the only opportunity for farmers to reap the benefits of cost-sharing with their neighbors. New research suggests that … More Bee neighborly — sharing bees helps more farmers.

Research suggests honey also more effective than many over-the-counter medicines.

January 19, 2021

Honey better treatment for coughs and colds than antibiotics, study claims. Backing for honey remedy – Honey may be better than other treatments for coughs, blocked noses and sore throats, Oxford university researchers have said. They combed through studies that compared honey and preparations containing it, against antihistamines, expectorants, cough suppressants and painkillers. Honey seemed more effective than usual care for improving … More Research suggests honey also more effective than many over-the-counter medicines.

Does city life make bumble bees larger?

January 16, 2021

Does urbanisation drive bumblebee evolution? A new study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig provides an initial indication of this. According to the study, bumblebees are larger in cities and, therefore, more productive than their rural counterparts. In Evolutionary Applications, the research team reports that differences … More Does city life make bumble bees larger?

The numbers are in: Beekeepers faced their second highest losses in 14 years this past year.

January 13, 2021

Help save the bees: Demand that Congress ban bee-killing pesticides today! The situation is dire with massive bee die offs — largely thanks to the continued use of bee-killing pesticides. Thankfully, the Saving America’s Pollinators Act (SAPA) would put a stop to these toxic chemicals. Scientists have warned that further decline of bees and other insects could lead us to a … More The numbers are in: Beekeepers faced their second highest losses in 14 years this past year.

Tom Kruesel writes in: “As an urban beekeeper,

January 9, 2021

Tom Kruesel writes in: “As an urban beekeeper, I can see some validity in the concern over competition between honeybees and native bees and wasps. (Many of which are also pollinators.) However, my personal experience has been the exact opposite. When I started keeping bees, I also started planting massive amounts of flowers in my yard and on the city boulevard. … More Tom Kruesel writes in: “As an urban beekeeper,

Urban beekeeping can be bad for wild bees.

January 7, 2021

Urban beekeeping has been touted as a way to boost pollination and improve sustainability, food security and biodiversity in cities. Many people and businesses who’ve added beehives to their backyards and rooftops (including CBC) say they’re doing it to help fight declines in bee populations.  But researchers say urban beekeepers are likely doing just the opposite when it comes … More Urban beekeeping can be bad for wild bees.

Wild Bees Are Worth $1.5 Billion for Six U.S. Crops.

January 3, 2021

Study also finds that crop yields are often limited by a lack of pollinators. A new study finds that the yields of major crops in the United States are frequentlylimited by a lack of pollinators. The study also highlighted the value of America’s wild bees, estimating they boost yields for six of the country’s seven major cropsexamined in … More Wild Bees Are Worth $1.5 Billion for Six U.S. Crops.