War areas, microplastics and reverbs are among the emerging threats to the bee populationAccording to scientists.
Bee experts have established a list of the 12 most urgent threats to the pollinator during the next decade, published in a report, emerging threats and conservation opportunities for world pollinators, by the University of Reading.
War and growing conflicts in the world harm bees, warn scientists. This includes war in UkraineWho forced countries to cultivate fewer types of cultures, leaving pollinators without diverse food throughout the season.
The researchers found that microplastic particles contaminated hives across Europe, with tests of 315 bee colonies reveal synthetic materials such as PET plastic in most hives. It has been found that the artificial light of the reverbs reduces flower visits to 62%night pollinators, and air pollution affected their survival, their reproduction and their growth.
Antibiotics, used in agriculture, have made their way in hives and honey. They have also proven to affect the behavior of pollinators, including the reduction in their search for food and flower visits. Pesticide “cocktails” also play a significant and emerging role; Although some pesticides are now regulated to be maintained below “safe” limits for bees and other wild animals, research has shown that they can interact with other chemicals and cause dangerous effects.
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Professor Simon Potts of Reading University, the main author of the report, said: “The identification of new threats and finding ways to protect pollinators early is essential to prevent important new declines. It is not only a preservation problem. Pollinators are at the heart of our food systems, our climate resilience and economic security. Protecting pollinators means protecting us. “
The authors have called for a number of measures to protect bees, including stronger laws limiting antibiotic pollution which affects bees health, transition to electric vehicles to reduce air pollution affecting pollinators, creating habitats rich in flowers in solar parks and reproducing crops with a pollen and a nectar improved for better nutrition pollinators.
The co-author of the report, Dr. Deepa Senapathi, also from the University of Reading, added: “It will take everyone's efforts to deal with these threats. We must maintain, manage and improve our natural habitats to create safe spaces for pollinators. Individual actions such as food and nesting areas in our own rear gardens can help significantly. Habitats adapted to pollinators. »»
