The western bumblebee may soon be added to the federal endangered species list. Here's why that is so important.
According to an article in High Country News, the western bumblebee has been experiencing a rapid decline since the 1990s. "Without the bumbles like westerns, whole ecosystems might falter: they're among the most important pollinators on Earth," stated the article, which was just published.
Insects rarely receive federal protections because of several factors related to their vast numbers, ecological roles, and public perception.
First, insects are incredibly diverse, with millions of species, many of which are not well-studied, making it difficult to assess their conservation status. Additionally, insects play essential but often misunderstood roles in ecosystems, such as pollination, decomposition, and serving as food sources for other animals, which complicates efforts to prioritize specific species for protection.
Another challenge is the public's general perception of insects. Unlike charismatic animals like pandas or bald eagles, insects are often viewed negatively, as pests or nuisances, leading to less public and political support for their conservation.
Existing federal protections, like the Endangered Species Act, tend to focus on larger, more visible species, and the processes required to protect insects under such laws are complex and resource-intensive, leading to fewer efforts to protect them despite their ecological importance.
But the western bumblebee could become a 'spokesbee' for other insects too. There are so many interesting aspects to this bumble - read the full article here complete with beautiful illustrations of this important species. 5 minute read.
Insects rarely receive federal protections because of several factors related to their vast numbers, ecological roles, and public perception.
First, insects are incredibly diverse, with millions of species, many of which are not well-studied, making it difficult to assess their conservation status. Additionally, insects play essential but often misunderstood roles in ecosystems, such as pollination, decomposition, and serving as food sources for other animals, which complicates efforts to prioritize specific species for protection.
Another challenge is the public's general perception of insects. Unlike charismatic animals like pandas or bald eagles, insects are often viewed negatively, as pests or nuisances, leading to less public and political support for their conservation.
Existing federal protections, like the Endangered Species Act, tend to focus on larger, more visible species, and the processes required to protect insects under such laws are complex and resource-intensive, leading to fewer efforts to protect them despite their ecological importance.
But the western bumblebee could become a 'spokesbee' for other insects too. There are so many interesting aspects to this bumble - read the full article here complete with beautiful illustrations of this important species. 5 minute read.