Why Are Bees Endangered?

At this stage, most of us know that bees are important to the natural world. The busy little bugs are a critical driving force in the day-to-day growth and maintenance of our ecosystem, as well as an indicator of its current health. Simply, without these powerful pushers of pollination, flowers, plants, crops, and trees all fail to flourish. What would that mean? Habitats would be lost, food supplies would dwindle, biodiversity would suffer, and the economy would take a hit it could not bounce back from. Catastrophe and pandemonium in other words and all this says nothing to the loss of an amazing little creature (and who knows what else as a result). However, the number of bees out in the world have declined dramatically, so what are the leading factors towards so many of their species now being classed as endangered?

Parasites

The varroa mite is not a friend to the bumble bee! This external parasite is a huge cause for concern, as it attaches itself to certain species (the honey bee) whilst feeding on its blood. Whilst not the only parasite to pester bee-kind, the vampiric mite has been identified as spreading numerous debilitating viruses; they can easily wipe out entire colonies once introduced.

In North America, the varroa mite has been identified as the primary cause of colony collapse disorder.

Other Hostile Species

Here in the UK, the British Government recognises a number of specific threats to honey bees. These include; the Asian hornet and small hive beetle. Both are incredibly destructive and pose threats to the survivability of bees in general as well as the actual beekeeping industry.

You may have heard of the Asian hornet in the news; there is a recurring theme of the UK news outlets reporting an arrival of these hornets as summertime approaches. Whilst this scare-monger reporting might border on the parody at this stage; these creatures are no joke. One Asian hornet can (and will) slaughter up to 40 bees per minute. They’re a predatory species.

The small hive beetle is a significant pest; it causes damage to the pollen, the comb and honey in the colony and if the infestation is severe enough forces the occupants to move on. Often struggling to survive as result.

Climate Change

It’s not even so much the change as much as the chaotic and unpredictability of it. Bees are seasonal creatures and some (like the bumblebee) don’t fare well in overly hot weather.
The weather fluctuations means that seasons are inconsistent and bees find themselves unable to adapt.

Pesticides

Neonicotinoids are extremely toxic to bees. These forms of pesticide have also been used for a long time now and are a significant factor in the damage done to the bee population. Fortunately, their banning has started to come into effect around some parts of the world.

Urbanisation

In the end when you sit down and think about it; the leading cause of habitat loss, is humans. Whilst progress comes at a cost, some things are too damn expensive.
Even our rural land, our agricultural zones, are designed to fuel and distribute the increasing resources needed by our densely populated urbanised towns and cities. Agricultural efforts are aggressively expanding to meet these demands. So, fields are paved over with concrete. Hedges, flowers, trees are mowed down to make room for crop fields, or animal rearing space. The wild space declines and so do the natural places for bees and other animals to live, feed and function.