20 May Buzzworthy: Exploring the World of Bees
Today is World Bee Day!
Every year all over the world we celebrate on May 20th in honor of Anton Janša, who was born in 1734 and was a front runner for beekeeping. An apiarist who pioneered modern beekeeping practices.
World Bee Day was established to bring recognition to this incredible species. These tiny invertebrates are one of the most essential pollinators that bring us all of the wonderful fruits and veggies that we love. The work that they do is so essential that “an estimated one in three mouthfuls we eat come from flowering plants pollinated by bees – most fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, seeds and nuts, and coffee.” Without them we could lose a large portion of these delicious, essential food items! This worldwide celebration on May 20th is to bring to light all of the essential work that bees do as pollinators as well as the threats that they face.
One of the most notable pollinators and often the one that comes to people’s mind is the Honeybee. As well known as they are “honeybees and bumblebees account for only 1% of the estimated 25,000 bee species worldwide. Most neither make honey, nor live in colonies, nor do they sting or have stripes.” All species of bees take part in pollinating! The science behind it is remarkable as “the hairs on its body and legs carry a positive electrical charge that attracts the negative-charged pollen grains, so as it forages for pollen and nectar it inadvertently brushes some pollen from one flower head to another. And some wild bees use a special technique called “buzz pollination” to shake the pollen from the plant.” This tiny species plays a humongous role in maintaining and promoting plant diversity.
Though like many other species they face many threats that inhibit their survival and as a result cause damage to our ecosystem. Bees are susceptible to pesticides, disease, and habitat loss due to climate change. To help curb the loss of this species you can help by planting a garden that is full of flowering plants which promote pollination as well as being wary of any pesticides that you are using on your garden. Even taking small steps like these and being aware of our impact on the environment can be the key to the success of species’ survival all around the world!
Read the full article below:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/apr/05/in-praise-of-bees-the-cupid-of-the-flowering-world
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