Home / Science / Bee Metropolis: Millions Thrive in Ithaca Cemetery
Bee Metropolis: Millions Thrive in Ithaca Cemetery
7 Sep
Summary
- About 5.5 million wild, ground-nesting bees discovered in Ithaca.
- Cemetery's minimal pesticide use and open lawns create ideal habitat.
- Findings show urban green spaces can harbor vast biodiversity.
Scientists have made a remarkable discovery beneath the lawns of an Ithaca, New York cemetery, uncovering an estimated 5.5 million ground-nesting bees. This astonishing population density, found within a 1.5-acre section, far exceeds human populations in similarly sized areas.
The cemetery provides ideal nesting conditions with its well-drained soil and sparse vegetation. The surrounding environment offers ample flowers, while minimal pesticide use protects the bee population. These factors combine to create a vital, yet hidden, reservoir of biodiversity.
This finding underscores the potential for urban and suburban green spaces to support significant wildlife populations. It suggests that thoughtful land management, focusing on reduced pesticide use and varied ground cover, can transform ordinary areas into crucial habitats for wild bees.
