Bees are integral to both natural ecosystems and agricultural systems, performing a crucial role in plant reproduction. Their diligent work as pollinators underpins the health of diverse plant communities and contributes significantly to global food production. Understanding the status of bee populations is important for maintaining ecological balance and supporting human food security.
Current Status on the Endangered Species List
While not all bee species face extinction, several specific populations are now formally recognized as imperiled under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA). The rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) was the first bee in the continental United States to be listed as federally endangered in 2017. This species was widely distributed across the eastern and upper Midwest, but its population has declined by an estimated 87 percent across its range.
Additionally, seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees were declared endangered in 2016, marking the first time any bee species in the United States received federal protection. These Hawaiian native bees, belonging to the Hylaeus genus, are vital pollinators for many indigenous island plants. More recently, the Franklin bumble bee became the second North American bumble bee listed in 2021, though it has not been sighted by scientists since 2006. When a species is “listed” under the ESA, it gains specific protections and access to recovery programs aimed at preventing extinction.
The Endangered Species Act Explained
The Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. ยง 1531 et seq.), enacted in 1973, serves to protect and recover species at risk of extinction and the habitats they depend on. Its core purpose is to prevent the permanent disappearance of imperiled plants and animals, facilitating their recovery. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries share responsibility for implementing this act. The FWS primarily handles terrestrial and freshwater species, while NOAA Fisheries focuses on most marine and anadromous species.
The process of listing a species as endangered or threatened typically begins with a petition, followed by rigorous scientific evaluation and public review. A species is designated as “endangered” if it is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A “threatened” designation applies to species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Listing decisions consider factors such as habitat destruction, commercial overutilization, disease, predation, and other elements affecting survival.
Why Bee Populations Are Declining
Bee populations are declining due to a complex interaction of factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and the spread of diseases and parasites. These pressures collectively reduce bee numbers and weaken their ability to thrive.
Habitat loss and fragmentation are significant contributors, as human development and intensive agricultural practices convert natural landscapes into monoculture farmlands or urban areas. This reduces the diverse floral resources and nesting sites bees require. Pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, pose a threat because these systemic chemicals are absorbed into plants and can be present in pollen and nectar. Bees consuming contaminated resources may experience impaired navigation, weakened immune systems, and reduced reproductive success.
Climate change further exacerbates these issues by altering bee habitats and food sources. Rising temperatures can lead to phenological mismatches, where flowers bloom earlier or later than bees’ foraging periods, disrupting their synchronized relationship. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts, also directly impact bee survival and habitat availability. Additionally, the proliferation of diseases and parasites, like the Varroa mite and various viruses, continues to decimate bee colonies and wild populations.
Taking Action for Bee Conservation
Addressing bee population decline involves implementing various conservation strategies, from large-scale initiatives to individual actions. Habitat restoration is a primary focus, emphasizing the planting of diverse native flowers that provide consistent nectar and pollen sources throughout the seasons. Establishing and maintaining natural nesting sites, such as patches of bare ground and woody debris, also supports different bee species.
Responsible pesticide use is another important measure, with a shift towards integrated pest management (IPM) practices that minimize chemical application. This includes selecting less toxic products and carefully timing applications to avoid peak bee activity. Encouraging pollinator-friendly agriculture involves practices like planting pollinator-friendly cover crops, minimizing tillage to protect ground-nesting bees, and maintaining undeveloped areas on farms. Governmental and non-governmental organizations are working to implement these strategies, often through financial incentives and partnerships with landowners. Individuals can contribute by planting native flowers in gardens and creating small bee habitats, fostering local environments where bees can thrive.