Did you know?
- More than 200 native species of stingless bees are responsible for pollinating approximately 90 percent of the trees in the Atlantic Forest. In addition, the honey they produce is sought after due to its health benefits and healing effects.
- However, the destruction of habitats can result in the loss of diversity, which disrupts the natural interaction between bees and the local plants.
- Besides a lack of honey, which less than four percent of the known 20,000 species produce, bees play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change through pollination – the act of transferring pollen grains from one plant to another enabling fertilization and the production of seeds.
- Bees and other pollinators contribute to 35 percent of the world’s total crop production, pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops worldwide.
- Pollination is responsible for nearly 90 percent of wildflower plants and 75 percent of edible plantation.
- Present species extinction rates are 100 to 1,000 times higher than normal due to human impacts.
- Here are some ways you can contribute to the conservation of bees-Plant a diverse set of native plants, which flower at different times of the year.
- Buy honey and other hive products from local farmers.
- Avoid using pesticides, fungicides or herbicides in gardens.
- Educate others as to the importance of bees.
- Sponsor a hive.
References
https://www.zurich.com/en/media/magazine/2023
https://biodiversityireland.ie/the-fight-to-save-the-bees/
