Home / Environment / Rare Bumble Bee Gets Critical Habitat Protection
Rare Bumble Bee Gets Critical Habitat Protection
1 Jun
Summary
- Critical habitat designated for rusty patched bumble bee across 1.5 million acres.
- Protections cover land in five states and West Virginia.
- Effort follows a lawsuit to secure vital pollinator habitats.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has designated approximately 1.5 million acres as critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee. This significant conservation effort encompasses lands across Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia, aiming to aid the recovery of this imperiled pollinator.
This designation, announced on Friday, does not alter land ownership or create new protected areas. Instead, it influences federal agency actions that may impact the bee's habitat, such as development or permitting processes. Conservation groups, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, lauded the decision, which came after legal action to ensure habitat protections.
The rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) has seen a dramatic population decline. While the exact causes are debated, factors like pathogens, pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change are believed to contribute to its endangered status. Its historical range has been significantly reduced, with confirmed sightings now limited to fewer than a dozen states.
Individuals can support the rusty patched bumble bee by providing more floral resources, planting native flowers that bloom throughout the season, and reducing pesticide use. Creating good habitat, including nesting sites like leaf piles or plant stems, also aids the bee and other declining pollinators.
