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bee Population Decline: Experts Sound Alarm On Varroa Mites, Climate Change, And Pesticides
Alarming reports indicate a significant decline in global
bee populations, raising concerns about the future of pollination and agriculture. Experts attribute this decline to a combination of factors, including the pervasive varroa mite, the accelerating effects of climate change, and the widespread use of harmful insecticides.
The Varroa Mite Threatens Bee Colonies
Each year, between 30% and 40% of bee hives are lost, primarily due to varroa mites, according to Mariano Higes, a specialist at the Apicultural and Agroambiental Research Centre (Ciapa) in Marchamalo, Guadalajara. This exotic mite, originating from Asia, arrived in Spain in 1985 and quickly spread throughout the country due to a lack of effective control measures.
Higes cautioned against the use of “artisanal treatments” by beekeepers, as these can lead to resistant pathogens and contaminate hive wax. He emphasized the importance of knowing “how and when to act” to prevent varroa mites from developing resistance.
Climate Change Disrupts Bee Life Cycles
climate change poses another significant threat to
bee populations. Higes noted that the shifting climate has disrupted the natural cycles of bees and flowers, leading to a “decoupling” of their growth patterns. The disappearance of the “winter wall,” which previously interrupted breeding and limited parasite spread, has further complicated matters, effectively creating “two springs” and exacerbating the challenges faced by beekeepers.
Insecticides Endanger Bee health
Insecticides, notably neonicotinoids, also contribute to the
bee population decline. The European Food Security Authority (Efsa) reports that these chemicals can contaminate pollen, nectar, and hive wax, affecting bees’ navigation, foraging, and survival skills.
European Project ‘Better-B’ Aims For Resilient Bees
To address these challenges, Ciapa is participating in the European project ‘Better-B,’ which seeks to develop more resilient bees capable of withstanding abiotic stress factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and
