Bumblebees' decline points to mass extinction - study

[Eugene]

Source: PA Media

Bumblebees' decline points to mass extinction – study

PA Media
Thu 6 Feb 2020 19.00 GMT

Bumblebees are in drastic decline across Europe and North America owing to hotter and more frequent extremes in temperatures, scientists say.

A study suggests the likelihood of a bumblebee population surviving in any given place has declined by 30% in the course of a single human generation. The researchers say the rates of decline appear to be “consistent with a mass extinction”.

Peter Soroye, a PhD student at the University of Ottawa and the study’s lead author, said: “We found that populations were disappearing in areas where the temperatures had gotten hotter. If declines continue at this pace, many of these species could vanish forever within a few decades.”

The team used data collected over a 115-year period on 66 bumblebee species across North America and Europe to develop a model simulating “climate chaos” scenarios. They were able to see how bumblebee populations had changed over the years by comparing where the insects were now to where they used to be.

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Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/feb/06/bumblebees-decline-points-to-mass-extinction-study

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Related: Climate change contributes to widespread declines among bumble bees across continents (Science)

[SamKnause]

1. I'm doing everything I can to help the wildlife in my area.

I own 12 acres

I have lived here for 19 years.

There has never been any fertilizer, pesticides, or herbicides used on my farm.

It has not be plowed.

I have grown no crops.

I have 8 acres bush hogged once a year to keep the trees from growing.

All of the wild flowers feed the bees.

The tall grasses are homes to rabbits.

I have a large amount of deer.

I have seen 2 sets of triplets and 3 sets of twins.

Turkeys roam the fields.

They visit with their babies every year.

I have 4 acres of woods with a creek.

I used the downed trees for my fireplace.

I have a cistern for all my water needs.

[IndyOp]

2. Thank you. I have a tiny backyard and I can do better

No pesticides or herbicides. I can plant more flowers for butterflies. I've been wanting to put up a bat house for years - PLENTY of delicious mosquitos in my backyard!

[SamKnause]

3. No need for thanks.

I just follow my morals and conscience.

I love animals.

I love the rural life.

The bats will enjoy your delicious mosquitoes.

[Mountain Mule]

4. More sad news

We are already losing so many wonderful creatures. My heart seems to get broken almost everyday now.

[2naSalit]

5. Well...

I'm up here in headwaters country... it's not looking all that great up here either.