Unlocking the Secrets of Southeast Bumble Bees: A Citizen-Led Conservation Effort
In a world where the hum of bumblebee wings has become a rare melody, there's a dedicated group of individuals on a mission. Meet Bryan Tompkins, a seasoned entomologist who can identify bumblebees with a mere glance. But he's not alone; Laurie Hamon, a biologist with a passion for insects, is also part of this essential effort. Their goal? To protect and preserve the bumblebees of the Southeast.
As our world faces the critical decline of these vital pollinators, the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas has emerged as a beacon of hope. Bryan Tompkins, a dedicated member of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's field office in Asheville, North Carolina, has spent countless hours collecting data on these enigmatic creatures. Their importance in our ecosystem cannot be overstated, yet their decline remains a pressing issue.
The Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas, a collaborative project between the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, federal and state wildlife officials, and volunteers across the Carolinas, Georgia, and Tennessee, is changing the game. In this article, we delve into the world of bumblebees, the challenges they face, and the remarkable efforts of citizen scientists.
Why It Matters
Bumblebees, despite their ubiquity, have been under-researched. The limited number of scientists studying them has led to significant knowledge gaps, making it challenging to determine which species are in need of protection. But this is where the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas shines. This citizen science project is harnessing the power of volunteers, who are actively participating in bee hunts and reporting their findings on the online platform, Bumble Bee Watch.
The Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas has already made significant progress in its first year, with over 1,800 bees recorded during more than 190 surveys. The plan is to continue this fieldwork through 2025, aiming to cover each of the 276 designated "grid cells" at least twice a year.
A Perfect Role for Citizen Scientists
Laurie Hamon, a biologist with the Xerces Society, emphasizes the suitability of bumblebees for amateur naturalists. With the ability to reliably identify them from photographs, this is a catch-and-release mission that allows you to contribute valuable data without harm to the bees.
Unlocking the Mystery
The Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas has revealed some fascinating findings. At least 15 different bumblebee species have been identified in the Southeast, including the critically endangered rusty patched bumblebee and the variable cuckoo bumblebee. However, some of these species haven't been recorded by scientists in the region for years.
This lack of basic information about their abundance and distribution makes it difficult for these bees to qualify for formal protection. Gabriela Garrison, a biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, is passionate about bringing the atlas to the Southeast to address this gap. She believes that several Southeastern species should be listed as federally endangered, a step crucial to their survival.
Empowering Change
The data collected through the atlas is a powerful tool for each participating state. It allows for the refinement of Wildlife Action Plans, guiding land management and funding allocation. Additionally, it empowers state wildlife experts to advise private landowners, who manage a significant portion of the study area, and informs federal decisions about listing bumblebee species as endangered.
The Ongoing Challenges
Bumblebees face a multitude of challenges, including habitat loss due to development and the replacement of native plants with introduced landscaping. The threat of diseases, particularly viruses and fungi originating from domesticated bees, poses another significant concern.
Climate change further disrupts the natural rhythms of these vital insects. Warmer soil temperatures force queen bees to emerge from hibernation prematurely, potentially leading to their starvation if host plants are affected by late freezes.
A Call to Action
While the Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas is invaluable for its scientific contributions, it also seeks to raise public awareness and encourage advocacy. Many people have already been trained for the project, and an online orientation video has garnered a significant number of views.
Pamela Zendt, a graduate student and editor of The Everyday Scientist, is among those who have been inspired by this initiative. The atlas has given her a new perspective on bumblebees and the crucial role they play as pollinators. It has also sparked a sense of wonder and joy as she watches bees emerge from flowers, covered in pollen.
Join the Cause
The Southeast Bumble Bee Atlas is more than a citizen science project; it's a movement to protect and preserve the bees that sustain our ecosystems. Join this vital cause and become a part of the solution. Every bee counts, and together, we can ensure the survival of these incredible creatures.
#BeeSavers, #ProtectOurPollinators, #CitizenConservation, #BumblebeeWatch
