Saving the Rusty-Patched Bumblebee

It is a fact that in the modern world, there has been an increase in the number of endangered and extinct species of animals, plants, and insects. This has come about mainly as a consequence of human activities, which have made it extremely difficult for local ecosystems to survive or function efficiently. It is essential to note that in the modern world, cases of endangered species have become so common that there are efforts aimed at reversing this trend. One of the most significant of the species that are endangered in the modern world are the local populations of bumblebees, which are extremely pertinent to the sustenance of the native plant species. The introduction of foreign species of bumblebees, which are rapidly taking over the natural habitat of the native species has essentially reduced the range of the latter to such an extent that they are losing the competition for resources. This consideration is pertinent to the conservation effort because it shows the manner through which commercial activities have ended up creating a negative environment for native bumblebee species. This post addresses the efforts aimed at saving the rusty-patched bumblebee and the methods that can be used to make this process possible.

It is currently a well-known fact that numerous bumblebee species native to North America are under threat of extinction. A diversity of hypotheses have been brought forwards to explain the reasons behind this regression among which is the restructuration of agriculture; a process that involves the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in crops, especially legumes. Additionally, there has been the suggestion that the fragmentation of land has also played a role in the promotion of the regression of various bumblebee species because this process is one that affects wide areas across the continent. Also, there has been the consideration of the role of climate change in sealing the fate of bumblebees to such an extent that these species have essentially come to be devastated by the activities of man as the latter release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Thus, lower numbers of bumblebees have been seen in recent years and the fact that some species are no longer being seen is a matter of concern which has to be addressed through effective action aimed at saving the native bumblebee species. These efforts have the potential of making sure that the rusty patched bumblebee, which is responsible for the pollination of most of the crops across the United States, is saved from extinction.

One of the most important steps that can be taken in the process of saving the rusty patched bumblebee is the reduction of the use of harmful pesticides. This is extremely important because bumblebees tend to end up being victims of scenarios where pesticides kill large numbers of them; resulting in the reduction of their population. Bumblebees are especially prominent when it comes to the manner through which native plants are pollinated. Therefore, they are necessary when it comes to the maintenance of agricultural productivity as well as the promotion of ecosystems that are healthy. The reduction of pesticide use can be extremely beneficial for this species because it provides them with the means through which to gain a stable food supply while at the same time making sure that they conduct their natural functions. Furthermore, the survival of the bumblebee, as a native species, has the advantage of making sure that native plant life is also made sustainable to such an extent that they are also saved from extinction. However, in order to ensure that there is the effective achievement of pesticide reduction in agricultural production, there is the need for there to be strict federal regulations aimed at providing protection for the rusty patched bumblebee species to such an extent that their survival is guaranteed while at the same time preventing farmers from undertaking actions that may imperil them. Therefore, it is likely that laws that prevent negative pesticide use could not only save the rusty-patched bumblebees, but also other bumblebee species as well.

The prevention of the importation of foreign bumblebee species could also work in favor of the rusty-patched bumblebees. The fact that many of the foreign bumblebees, like any invasive species, tend to have a negative effect on the local ecosystem requires that there is a reduction of their prevalence in the country. This is especially the case when it comes to the manner through which they will only focus on the pollination of plants that are native to their own native land to the detriment of the local plants. It is also pertinent to note that with the proliferation of foreign species of bumblebees, imported for use in greenhouses, it becomes difficult for the rusty-patched bumblebee to survive because of the considerable competition, and as a consequence, the range of the latter is greatly reduced. Therefore, there is the need to ensure that there is a total ban on the importation of foreign bumblebee species in such a way that provides for the repopulation of the rusty-patched bumblebee. The latter process will be beneficial to the native plant life and in turn the animal life because it ensures their diversity in reproduction and health. There should also be a process where there is the promotion of awareness concerning the efficiency of rusty-patched bumblebees when it comes to the pollination of commercially viable crops such as tomatoes and peppers, among others. In this way, there will be a process within which to promote the keeping of this species of bumblebees by farmers in order to allow for the expansion of their range.