First Bumblebee Species Officially Added To Endangered List

Aug 02, 2018

The rusty-patched bumblebee has become the first species of bumblebee to be added to the endangered species list. However, while this news may sound alarming, many experts say it is actually a good thing.

You have probably heard a lot of news stories about there being fewer bumblebees and the need to do something about it. Now that one kind has been added to the endangered species list, it will actually be easier to protect them.

Bumblebees pollinate other plants and are a critical part of the ecosystem. The world food supply could be disrupted if bumblebees die out. While they used to be common all over the Midwest and East Coast of the United States, they are now only found in Canada and about 12 states.

Experts say that diseases, habitat destruction and pesticides are among the dangers they face.

One advantage of adding the bumblebee to the endangered species list is that the steps taken to protect the rusty-patched bumblebee will protect all pollinators.

A University of Illinois researcher spent three years studying eight bumblebee species throughout the United States. She said it was critical to identify all the threats to the bumblebee in addition to habitat loss and pollution.

Many people believe the bumblebees should have been placed on the endangered species list much earlier. Despite this, several industry groups, including the National Cotton Council of America and the National Association of Home Builders, opposed the addition.

Recognizing the bees as endangered is an important step to saving them. Tell us in the comments what else you think should be done to help the bees.