More about Bees – Enchanted Wood

Bees and other pollinators are facing numerous threats, putting them into catastrophic decline: habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, diseases and parasites.The United Nations reports that up to 40% of invertebrate pollinator species, particularly bees and butterflies, are at risk of extinction.Many scientists consider it equivalent to the climate crisis as a threat to life on earth.

Many species of bees and other pollinators are considered threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. They are likely to become extinct in the wild. It is the wild bees who are the most efficient pollinators.

The decline of bees and other pollinators has been a growing concern since the 1950s. Many scientists consider it is equivalent to the climate crisis as a threat to life on earth. According to a report by the United Nations, up to 40% of invertebrate pollinator species, particularly bees and butterflies, are at risk of extinction.

There are several factors contributing to the decline of pollinators. The main reason is habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization and industrial agriculture.The conversion of natural habitats to farmland and monoculture crops means less nutritious food sources for these animals.

Pesticide and herbicide use in agriculture is a significant threat, as exposure to these chemicals is deliberately toxic and harmful to them.

Another factor is climate change, which is causing shifts in temperature and rainfall patterns that affect the timing and availability of flowering plants, as well as disrupting the natural cycles of pollinators. Diseases and parasites, such as Varroa mites that infect honeybees, spread by industrialised honey farming have also contributed to the decline of pollinator populations.

The decline of pollinators has serious consequences for human food security,
as well as for the health of our ecosystems. It is estimated that the global economic value of pollination services provided by bees and other insects is between $235 and $577 billion annually.

The decline of bees and other pollinators is a critical issue that requires immediate action. Humans have contributed to their decline through habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide use, climate change, and disease.

By taking steps to protect and support pollinators we don’t only ensure the health of our ecosystems and the food supply for human generations to come but our own present health..

BUT there are many other reasons to hold bees and insects in esteme.