"The Importance of Bumblebee Diversity for Food Security"
Introduction: Anne Averill, a dedicated researcher, has spent three decades delving into the intricate world of native bees, with a particular focus on the diversity and abundance of bumblebees. Her work has uncovered concerning trends in the diminishing diversity of bumblebee species, which have far-reaching implications for food security.
The Decline in Bumblebee Diversity: Over the years, Averill has observed a stark decline in the diversity of bumblebee species. She points out that in the early 1900s, there were 12 or 13 different species, such as Bombus perplexus, Bombus vagans, Bombus affinis, Bombus fervidus, Bombus terricola, and Bombus sandersoni. However, by 1950, a significant portion of these species had already disappeared.
Today, in Massachusetts, only seven bumblebee species remain. Averill attributes this lower diversity to the prevalence of a single species, Bombus impatiens, which has become exceptionally common.
The Impact of Changing Landscapes: Averill explains that the reduction in bumblebee diversity is linked to changes in how we use and inhabit the land. Various species of bumblebees prefer specific habitats. As the region transitioned from forests to farms and urban development, habitats for diverse bee species dwindled.
Food Security Concerns: From a food security perspective, the decrease in bumblebee diversity is worrisome. Averill emphasizes that ecosystems are more stable when they exhibit greater biodiversity. For farmers, relying primarily on a single species of bumblebee and migratory beekeepers poses risks. Honeybees are under considerable stress, and a single species of bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, is now relied upon for pollination.
Vulnerabilities in the Food Chain: Averill highlights the vulnerabilities within the food chain. Pollinators, including bumblebees, play a crucial role in the pollination of crops. Many large farms rely on migratory beekeepers for pollination, which is particularly essential for crops like cranberries. However, the honeybee population is under pressure, and the dependence on a single bumblebee species is a weak link in the system. Native bees are sensitive to weather events, which can lead to fluctuations in populations and affect the availability of pollinators.
Rebuilding Bumblebee Diversity: To address this issue, Averill suggests that simply creating pollinator gardens and meadows, while beneficial, is a temporary solution. Native bees require nesting sites and connected landscapes to rebuild their populations. What's needed, according to Averill, is more wild lands. Historically, the concept of wilderness has been defined as untouched by human influence, but this definition can be broadened.
The Role of Rewilding: Creative approaches to rewilding lands are emerging. Some farmers are rewilding their fields while growing food simultaneously. For instance, a British biologist rewilded a meadow in France with the help of goats and witnessed a significant increase in bumblebee species. The more flower species present, the greater the diversity of bumblebees. This phenomenon underscores that diversity is contagious.
In conclusion, bumblebee diversity is vital for food security, and restoring it requires a holistic approach, including the preservation of wild lands and creative rewilding practices.
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