Since we watched the movie about bees disappearing for this
module, I was curious where we currently are regarding this issue. I found a
recent article from this week discussing the idea of “rewilding” bees in an
attempt to save them, and in turn save us. The main idea is to allow bees to
live in more natural habitats, in log hives above ground, high in trees or
other locations that mimic a more natural environment. According to the
article, beekeepers in the U.S. lost about 40% of their bees last winter, the
highest loss in over a decade. The article cites habitat loss, heavy pesticide
use, climate change, and urbanization as likely contributing factors. The
expert that was interviewed also stresses that using smoke and chemicals and
the diet of sugar water given to domestic bees is detrimental to their health.
For the sake of the planet and the human race, I hope that this offers some
relief and helps prevent more loss.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-california-beekeeper/rewilding-one-california-mans-mission-to-save-honey-bees-idUSKBN1X31CE
Another concern about bees is that their habitats, or hives, are being stolen. A 2014 theft in California was valued at $65K and in December 2016, 300 bee colonies in Texas were stolen and valued at $90K. Farmers rely on bees for pollination and the losses of bee lives with the hijacking can be huge. In California, bees are rented out to pollinate the state's almond crops, and honey is collected to subsidize farmer's incomes. Recently, farmers have resorted to placing cameras on the hives so that they can catch the theives. Bees are not only necessary for pollination: they are a hot commodity for their services and honey. In fact, gourmet honey can sell for as high as $60 per jar in some states. The global market for bee services and products exceed $940 million dollars and is expected to reach $2.16 billion by 2025.
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