Understanding Colony Collapse Disorder

Most are aware of the honey bee crisis, particularly Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a term introduced by Dr. Diana Cox-Foster in 2006 and elaborated upon in a 2007 publication in Science. This phenomenon arose from investigations into why beekeepers reported losing more than 40% of their honey bee colonies. Contrary to popular belief, it wasn't a case of finding dead bees; rather, adult male bees would simply abandon their hives.

To date, no single cause has been pinpointed for CCD, reflecting a broader challenge in ecology where numerous factors combine to exacerbate outcomes. Among the suspected contributors are pathogens, pesticide exposure, parasites like mites, poor nutrition, lack of genetic diversity, and habitat loss. Scientists argue that these combined issues, compounded by climate change, threaten the survival of honey bees.

A Unique Perspective on Honey Bees

Here’s a significant point: we procure honey bees commercially. Each colony begins with a queen that may be imported from various countries, including Italy, Russia, and China. Although domesticated honey bees are available for purchase in the U.S., they are not native to North America.

Scientifically known as Apis mellifera, honey bees are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia around 130 million years ago. Fossil records show that no Apis mellifera existed in the New World, meaning all western hemisphere bees arrived via ships with European settlers, except for the interesting species Apis nearctica.

The concern surrounding CCD and the decline of honey bee populations is echoed globally. However, one must ask: why is there such alarm about the loss of a non-native species? The answer lies in agriculture and its economic implications. Approximately 35% of global crop production relies on pollinators, with the economic value of pollination services estimated at $172 billion in 2005. This figure represents a significant portion of the agricultural economy, emphasizing the vital role of honey bees as commercial pollinators.

Efforts to Protect Honey Bees

Substantial resources are being directed toward honey bee conservation. For example, the University of Minnesota Bee Lab, led by Dr. Marla Spivak, is at the forefront of breeding honey bees with increased resistance to diseases and parasites. Dr. Spivak’s research includes enhancing hygienic behavior in hives and advocating for reduced pesticide reliance, which is gaining traction—recently, the European Union announced plans to ban pesticides harmful to bees.

While many backyard gardeners are aware that chemical spraying can harm both native and non-native insects, they also recognize the need for more resources such as flowering plants and diverse landscapes. However, many individuals I encounter in my outreach efforts can't name a single native bee and mistakenly assume that honey bees are indigenous due to the emphasis on their decline.

Impact of Honey Bees on Native Species

The effects of CCD extend beyond honey bees. Increasingly, research attributes the decline of honey bees to broader ecological issues impacting native species. The loss of flowering plants, the transfer of diseases to native bees, and rising pesticide use all negatively affect both honey bees and their native counterparts. Honey bees can outcompete native species for limited food resources. Thus, addressing CCD can also benefit our native bees, highlighting the importance of raising public awareness about the challenges faced by the many native bee species that have coexisted with us for millennia.

The Influence of Big Agriculture

The financial backing from large agricultural entities ensures that honey bee issues receive significant media coverage. It's understandable why many Americans are concerned about honey bee losses, given the substantial government funding and research efforts dedicated to their survival.

Many advocates and researchers are working to redirect attention from honey bees to native bees. Initiatives like the Oregon Bee Project, a collaboration between Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the Oregon Department of Forestry, aim to educate communities on identifying native bees and train pesticide applicators in bee-friendly practices. By conducting bee surveys throughout Oregon, the project raises awareness about the importance of native bees and their conservation needs. Dr. Andony Melathopoulos, a pollinator ecotoxicologist at OSU, emphasizes the goal of consolidating existing initiatives to protect pollinators. Additionally, he hosts a popular podcast, PolliNation, featuring discussions with experts on various pollinator health topics.

A Balanced Perspective on Honey Bees

My message is not to disregard honey bees; I appreciate their contributions to our diets, farming, and ecosystems. My fascination with honey bee colonies and their intricate social structures has shaped my interest in bee ecology. While I acknowledge the importance of honey bees, I argue that we should focus our attention on the alarming decline of bumble bees, carpenter bees, mining bees, mason bees, sweat bees, and the estimated 4,000 native bee species in our ecosystems. Although there is ample funding for honey bee conservation, saving native bees demands a more concentrated effort.

I'm still committed to saving the bees, Mom. I'm just prioritizing the species that genuinely need our help.