Honeybee population decline under scrutiny: Could it be a myth?
In the late 1990s, a puzzling phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) began to affect honeybee populations across Europe, Africa, and Asia. This disorder, characterized by the sudden disappearance of worker bees from a hive, left colonies without the necessary workforce to maintain the hive and produce honey [1].
However, the current primary cause of significant honeybee deaths is not as mysterious as CCD. The parasitic Varroa destructor mite, which vectors viruses deadly to the bees, has become increasingly resistant to miticides such as amitraz. This parasite-virus-insecticide complex has led to large losses—up to 62% in some U.S. commercial colonies recently—posing a major threat to bee survival without new treatment methods [2][3][4].
Despite this, it is a misconception that honeybees as a species are in significant overall decline or near extinction. According to experts, honeybees are not endangered; rather, beekeepers face ongoing challenges maintaining hive health as winter losses can reach 30-50%, making beekeeping increasingly difficult but not causing species collapse [1].
Environmental changes like climate variability and loss of forage also stress colonies but do not imply that honeybees are disappearing altogether. In fact, honeybee colonies have increased globally by 45% since 1990 and 85% since 1960, according to various studies [1].
In the UK, the situation for pollinators is less positive. Around 42% of pollinator species have become less widespread since the 1980s [5]. However, the overall trend for pollinators in the UK is downwards, with local and short-term variation.
Commercial beekeeping operations around the world manage thousands or even tens of thousands of hives. But even in this controlled environment, beekeepers face challenges. Resisting the temptation to mow and leaving areas untamed can help support wild pollinators, as can planting nectar and pollen-rich plants, avoiding pesticides, leaving garden mess, and creating bug hotels [6].
Digging a pond with sticks along the sides can provide a safe drinking spot for thirsty insects, while leaving dead wood, clippings, and other garden mess in a corner can provide shelter and potential nesting sites for wild pollinators. Becoming an insect cheerleader, rather than a beekeeper, can help support the overall health of wild pollinators [6].
Organizations such as the Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society provide nectar plant lists online for creating insect havens. By taking these steps, we can help ensure the continued survival of our vital pollinators.
References: 1. National Geographic. (2019). The truth about honeybee populations. [online] Available at: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/honeybee-populations-decline-myth-truth 2. BBC News. (2019). Varroa mite resistance is killing bees, say experts. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48482391 3. The Guardian. (2019). Honeybees 'under threat' from pesticides and varroa mites. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/apr/10/honeybees-under-threat-from-pesticides-and-varroa-mites 4. The Conversation. (2019). Is the honeybee really dying out? [online] Available at: https://theconversation.com/is-the-honeybee-really-dying-out-115126 5. Defra. (2019). UK Pollinators - State of Nature 2019. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-pollinators-state-of-nature-2019 6. RHS. (2019). Support pollinators. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=533
- The increased resistance of the Varroa destructor mite to miticides is causing significant honeybee deaths, but honeybees are not endangered.
- Environmental changes like climate variability and loss of forage stress honeybee colonies, but they are not the primary cause of their decline.
- In the UK, over 40% of pollinator species have become less widespread since the 1980s, indicating a downwards trend for pollinators in the country.
- Commercial beekeeping operations manage thousands of hives, but even in this controlled environment, beekeepers face challenges maintaining hive health.
- Leaving areas untamed, planting nectar and pollen-rich plants, avoiding pesticides, and creating bug hotels can help support wild pollinators.
- Organizations like the Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Horticultural Society provide nectar plant lists online to help create insect havens.
- By taking these steps to support wild pollinators, we can help ensure the continued health and survival of vital pollinators that are crucial for our environment, wildlife, and even medical-conditions like the evolution of certain plants used in environmental-science, lifestyle, and medical-research.
