This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Tuesday 4 January 2011
The Bee All and End All?
Disturbing news from the USA that 4 species of their 'common' Bumblebees have shown recent catastrophic reductions in both numbers (up to 96% in one case) and geographical distribution (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/03/bumblebees-study-us-decline?INTCMP=SRCH ). The species affected show a very high level of infection with the pathogen Nosema bombi (imported from Europe) but other factors such as the use of pesticides and changes in land management may be involved in the losses. These bees, along with hoverflies (also in decline), are incredibly important in the fertilisation of crop plants.
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