why are bees important

Why Are Bees Important? Find out more. Where trees and woods are essential to filter our air, bees are vital to both pollinate the food we need to survive and pollinate many of the trees and flowers that provide habitats for wildlife. They are hired by farmers so that these bees pollinate their plants. This leads to the spread of diseases and parasites which has also had a huge effect on the world’s bee population. SC038885). Whilst it is easy to presume it might be dead or dying, chances are it is actually exhausted and in need of a quick pick-me-up. Autumn leaf identification quiz: can you identify these 10 trees? It is estimated that one third of the food that we consume each day relies on pollination mainly by bees, but also by other insects, birds and bats. Like most invertebrates, bees need shelter to nest and hibernate in. You can help out a tired bee by mixing two tablespoons of white, granulated sugar with one tablespoon of water, placing it near the bee so it can help itself to this homemade energy drink. Globally there are more honey bees than other types of bee and pollinating insects, so it is the worlds most important pollinator of food crops. If these threats aren’t brought under control, we could be looking at a future without bees. Some species, such as the European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), feed almost exclusively on bees. Bees are industrious pollinators because they have co-evolved with flowering plants over millions of years. An increase in urban developments and invasive farming methods has meant that many of the areas bees once called home no longer exist. The most well-known bee, as well as the most important to us humans, is the Apis mellifera, otherwise known as the Western honey bee. Not only is climate change and human intervention having a negative effect on our world’s bee population, but many are choosing to ignore these important facts. Honey Bees Play a Role In Our Health & Lifestyle Parasites and diseases are another big threat to bees. Bees are important for the overall health of the environment, our ecosystem, and our farms. HONEY! Many of the threats to bees share parallels with the threats to trees and woodland, so saving bees goes hand-in-hand with saving trees. - All Possible Reasons, Is it Legal to Own a Wolf-Dog? There has been a lot of talk about bees in the news over the past couple of years, thanks to their dwindling populations across the globe. The first include a loss of habitat, the degradation of ecosystems or a total destruction or substitution of forests and fields for crops. For more, we suggest taking a look at our article where we list the different types of honey bee species. Find out Everything about this Hybrid, Differences Between Deer, Elk, Moose and Reindeer, The True Story of Hachiko - The Faithful Dog, Who Are the Christmas Reindeer? The most aesthetically pleasing action of bees is to pollinate flowers and … Not all bees are social animals, in fact, many are solitary animals. Climate change, which can also not be forgotten, is taking a massive toll on bee, plant and animals species all over the world. In the wild, several species of bee nest in hollow trees, so as more trees are destroyed so are the homes these bees live in. The conservation of bees: a global perspective. So, what would happen if there were no bees? Another reason why bees are important is that of the top 100 food crops for humans; bees pollinate at least 70 of these essential diet staples. 1982873. This means that if we lost pollinators entirely, our diets would suffer immensely. Registered in England No. Luckily, it’s not too late to help save the bees from extinction. We need plants to live. We need bees to fertilise many of our crops. Pesticides are one of the key threats to bees, and so one way to help bees is to stop using them in your own garden. Quebracho-Revista de Ciencias Forestales, (15). In addition, artificial hives are placed near fields to promote pollination. Bees also pollinate over 80% of the world’s wild flowers and, interestingly, whilst great attention is always given to the bee’s role as our main crop pollinator, we would do well to note that they play an equally important role as ‘keystone species’ in the planet’s eco-systems. As one of the most important pollinators, honey bees are responsible for completing the wildflowers’ reproductive cycle, which means that without them, our countryside would quickly become less interesting and less beautiful. Bees help us have healthy crops and a thriving ecosystem, which in turn helps us to live healthier, thriving lives of our own. Their unique adaptation to local climates and vegetation makes them an indispensable part of every country’s ecosystem. Bees are crucial to the process of pollination. The bees need the flowers for food, while the … Without them, most plants could not reproduce and would die out. I’ll come back to this in a moment. Valor y beneficios de las abejas nativas,(Hymenoptera: Apoidea), en los bosques del Chaco Semiárido, Argentina. If bees were to become extinct the planet could be in serious trouble, because these creatures are such an integral part of most ecosystems. It’s fascinating to think about how important a … If you want to read similar articles to Why Bees Are Important - Main Reasons, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category. It’s important to know that all of these above mentioned factors do not act independently, they are all related and driven by a single animal species: human beings. Not only are bees incredibly important when it comes to our environment, but without them we would also completely lose honey, wax, candles and the anti-bacterial benefits of all honey products. It’s estimated that one third of the food we eat every day depends on pollination, mainly on bees, but also on other insects, birds, and bats. In fact, it’s become commonplace to see “ save the bees ” movements popping up and everyday people doing their part to hopefully encourage the population to grow. For more, we recommend reading our article where we discuss how are pesticides killing bees. It is estimated that the average person eats about 1.3lbs of honey per year. There is no plan bee. More than 80% of flowering plants across the globe require a pollinator in order to reproduce. One of the easiest ways to help out bees is by planting lots of bee-friendly flowers in your garden. The Woodland Trust and Woodland Trust Nature Detectives logos are registered trademarks. A world without bees, is a world without food. The Scientific Reason, Why Does my Cat Drool? 294344) and in Scotland (No. Beeswax is used in a variety of ways, including for candles, in cosmetics, and in various polishes. Discover our recent challenges and successes and how you can help. Pollination is crucial because many of our vegetables, fruits and the crops that feed our livestock rely on it to be fertilised, so without it, we could go hungry. As well as being pollinators, honey bees, Apis mellifera, also produce honey. Bees, wasps and ants all form part of the insect order Hymenoptera, a large and diverse group made up of 'membrane-winged' insects. As one of the most important pollinators, honey bees are responsible for completing the wildflowers’ reproductive cycle, which means that without them, our countryside would quickly become less interesting and less beautiful. 2296645), is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Woodland Trust. Bees produce food . Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and cucumber rely on the pollination of bees, as do apricots, strawberries, apples, tomatoes and almonds. We keep receiving news about the decline of our precious bee population. Bees are almost constantly hunting for nectar which they use to make honey, so they spend a lot of time flying from flower to flower. Along the way, they pick up pollen and deposit it on other plants. This means that we rely on bees to help plants reproduce. There is growing evidence of the importance of bees and their role in biodiversity, agriculture and for human existence. Bees are not disappearing for a single reason, their are a set of factors that are causing this rapid decline. Out of the 20,000 bee species worldwide the majority are solitary species. It’s fascinating to think about how important … This can seriously damage the bee’s central nervous system. Bees play an important role in relation to the scope of agricultural production. These pollinated crops contribute to one-third of the world’s food supply, according to Nature.com. Simply scatter the seedballs in a location of your choice and watch them sprout! There have been a plethora of thought pieces and articles coming out detailing our huge need for certain types of animals and insects – not only do we need to start thinking about our own impact on the environment, but the process the environment uses to help itself. Not only do bees help us grow more and varied crops, but they also have a delicious sweet treat that humans (and bears) love to eat. They pollinate crops that we rely on for food, like fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Keep in touch with the nature you love without having to leave the house. But bee numbers have been dropping over the years and now they need our help. A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. In fact, humans are the main cause of bee population decline. Pollination is defined as the process of transferring the pollen from the anther- the ale part of the flower- to the stigma, the female part of the flower. Bees benefit biodiversity. All this to say–bees are important for the food they help us produce, and the materials they produce in … Some bees are nocturnal and pollinate plants which only bloom during the nighttime. There are lots of things you can do to help protect these important creatures - most of which can be done from the comfort of your own garden. In addition, bees also produce honey, propolis, royal jelly and many other beneficial products used for both food and pharmacology. Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus and cucumber rely on the pollination of bees, as do apricots, strawberries, apples, tomatoes and almonds. If you want to learn more about the incredible bee species, we recommend taking a look at our article where we discuss how does a bee become a queen. While there are other methods of pollination, including by the wind, birds, bats and other insects, wild bees are among the most important pollinators because they are capable of pollinating on a much bigger scale. Bees cannot survive without the nectar of flowers and this very fact makes them very important to the ecosystem. Some species in particular can cause havoc for native species – the Asian hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax, eats honey bees and so poses a huge threat. Why Are Bees So Important to the Environment? Woodland Trust (Enterprises) Limited, registered in England (No. Bees contribute to the overall growth of the economy. Click to attach a photo related to your comment, Why bees are important to the environment, Importance of honey bees for sustaining life on earth, Why Does My Dog Stare At Me? Without bees many plant species would not be able to reproduce, but why? Over 70 species found in the UK, from all the native trees to the common non-natives. A bee’s life cycle is incredible and because of this, more and more people and wondering how we can help save bees. Many fruits and seeds would cease to exist, including plants that humans feed on and vegetables used to feed cattle, hence the important of bees in agriculture. For more about why bees are important as well as why are bees dying, keep reading here at AnimalWised. Whilst the planting of more trees is helping to mitigate some of the effects of climate change, it is still a serious issue that could prove deadly for many of our bees. Why else are bees important? When an ecosystem is experiencing problems due to pollution of other problems, a … Some plants can pollinate themselves, while others rely on the wind, birds, insects, and animals to spread the pollen. The fact of the matter is, the importance of bees in the ecosystem goes far beyond what many imagine. It disrupts bee nesting behaviour and alters the normal seasonal timings, meaning flowers may bloom earlier or later than expected. Invasive species are also adding to the disappearance of bees, due to the appearance of new parasites and diseases. Confused? Often seen buzzing from flower to flower, it’s as difficult to imagine a life without bees as it is to envisage one without trees. We would also lose most of our pretty and colorful flowers! Why Bees Are Important as Environmental Indicators . A bee’s life cycle is incredible and because of this, more and … The varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a parasitic mite which clings to the back of the honey bee, passing diseases and viruses to it and gradually draining its strength. This, however, does not seem to be sufficient enough reason to look for or implement a solution on how to save bees. This sickly sweet golden liquid is a valuable product not only for its saccharine taste, but also due to its medicinal properties and the fact it is so energy dense. We are dependent on bees to fertilise many of our crops. Bees are in decline on a global scale as they face many threats, from habitat loss to the use of toxic pesticides. You may be asking, “But why are bees important to humans?” The answer is simple! Our seedball mix contains the seeds of nine hardy flowers - brilliant for bees! You can create your own shelter or buy a ready-made bee hotel – just hang it up in a sunny sheltered spot in your garden and watch bees filling the tubes during the spring and summer months. Bees are an important part of our world, they help to pollinate plants that create the food that we eat. Non-native species can pose another threat to bees. History and Names, What Does It Mean When a Cat Shows Up at My Door, Different Types Of Honey Bees - Species & Characteristics, Fish Chasing Each Other - All Possible Reasons, What is a Griffon Vulture? Bees are those insects which feed on flowers and have hairy bodies with four arms. In the 2000s, scientists sounded the alarm on the decline in the population of the honey bees and particularly the western honeybees in what was, in 2006, termed as the colony collapse disorder. This has led to the evolution of pesticide-resistant honey bees, which, in turn, has led to a decrease in bee population. Pollination and the commercial food industry are intrinsically intertwined. Why are bees important? Neonicotinoids in particular cause bees a great deal of harm, as when they are sprayed onto plants they are absorbed. Pollination is crucial because many of our vegetables, fruits and the crops that feed our livestock rely on it to be fertilised, so without it, we could go hungry. When some pesticides are sprayed onto plants, bees ingest them, damaging their nervous system. It has been estimated that it would cost farmers in the UK an incredible £1.8 billion per year to manually pollinate their crops, which just further emphasises the importance of bees. Human activities have destroyed and fragmented native bee habitats, from killing bees in backyards, to … The number of bees in existence is declining, and many species are nearing extinction. Bees are also important for wild, domestic, and farm animals too. One of the main threats to our beloved bees is the use of toxic pesticides. Bees Beautify the Planet! Their responsible for the wax in our polish and the honey on our morning toast. Brown, M. J., & Paxton, R. J. These hard-working winged invertebrates have been around for millions of years, pollinating our plants and producing the sweet golden syrup we call honey.A world without bees is sadly becoming more of a possibility, as these important insects are in severe decline. The use of pesticides, some of which have already been banned in the European Union, affect both honey bees and wild bees. Our countryside would be far less impressive without bees, they pollinate around 80% of all European wild flowers including poppies, bluebells, and even shrubs and trees! Bees are one of the most important pollinators because they’re so naturally good at it! The honey bee is one of our most important pollinators. Main Traits and Fun Facts, Why can't Cats Taste Sweet Things? Diodato, L., Fuster, A., & Maldonado, M. (2008). Without bees, many animals would go without food, including humans! Apidologie, 40(3), 410-416. Bees pollinate all the plant life around us. Bees contribute to the overall growth of the economy. Bees aren’t only important for pollinating food crops, they also are extremely important for our natural ecosystem. Well yes, bees are extremely essential and important to the ecosystem because without bees, pollination of flowers would not be […] Another prominent factor is the fragmentation of habitat, which causes the genetic isolation of different bee populations and consanguinity. Given the essential ecosystem services bees provide, they’re immensely valuable to both the environment and the economy. Bees favour a wide range of flowering plants, including foxglove, birdsfoot trefoil and red clover, which you can grow easily with our seedball bee mix. The Western honey bee is a domestic species used for the production of honey. Originally reported in North America, the phenomenon was also witnessed in Germany, Ireland, Greece, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. But do you know how important this creature is to our planet, and the threats it is facing? Importance of bees in the ecosystem. (2009). Bees are very important because they are the leading pollinators in the world. In fact, thanks to bees, many species of plants are pollinated in forests, meadows and a multitude of ecosystems, resulting in a production of fruits that serve as food for many wild animals. Bees are Hymenopterans, insects of the superfamily Apoidea. All bee species are incredibly important to balance different ecosystems. So, when a bee comes to pollinate said plant, it will ingest this pesticide. Bees (along with other pollinators) are important because they help make our food. Images © protected Woodland Trust. This post covers why bees are crucial to the survival of the human race and what we can do to save them. Registered office: Kempton Way, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 6LL. Wildflower meadows and other areas abundant in flowering plants are also in serious decline, meaning that bees lose an important food resource. Climate change and the extreme weather it often causes is another contributing factor in the decline of bees. This means they do not live in a ‘hive’ like honey or bumble bee’s but rather spend their life as individuals. This problem affects all pollinators. Posted at 08:05h in Conservation News by rudi 0 Comments. Effective pollination increases the amount of agricultural produce, improves their … Where trees and woods are essential to filter our air, bees are vital to both pollinate the food we need to survive and pollinate many of the trees and flowers that provide habitats for wildlife. It has often been said that bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Some pests provide food for crucial pollinators, so leaving them to be controlled naturally is the best choice if you want to help save bees. Often during the summer months you may spot a solitary bee sitting unmoving on the ground. Many national or imported fruits and vegetables have been pollinated by bees. In addition to harvesting honey, humans also harvest the wax that bees produce. The bigger question is whether it would even be possible to achieve the same productivity as the... Other Benefits. If there were no bees, pollen wouldn’t be carried from one flower to another. Bees are the world’s most important pollinator of food crops. Bee numbers are in decline, we look at why bees are so important, for reducing carbon dioxide levels, pollinating plants and producing honey. Quite apart from the fact that pollination is important for food production, … According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations, approximately 80% of all flowering plants are specialised for pollination by animals, mostly insects (which includes bees). The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. Humans depend on pollinators to help produce food crops. According to the USDA, bees pollinate 75% of all the fruit, nuts and vegetables grown by American farmers. And bees are important for many more reasons than just food. Plus we look at what is causing their decline in numbers, including, habitat loss, poisoning by pesticides and climate change GB520 6111 04. Why Bees Are Important For The Environment Recently, bees seem to be the thing. In addition, bees are considered food for many birds and animals. With its black and gold stripes, translucent wings and signature furry body, the bee is a common sight in woods and gardens around the world. Protecting bees is extremely important because not only are they vital for our survival but also the dynamic ecosystem that they are part of. Why are bees important? Types of mushroom in the UK: common identification guide, Bats about trees: winter Broadleaf is out now, Five ways to prepare your garden for winter wildlife. These developments are as much a threat to bees as they are to trees and woodland. The exact cause of the decline in bee numbers was not established, but numerous prob… Whilst pesticides are designed to kill pests, due to their intense toxicity they are having an adverse effect on other insects too, including bees. Researchers confirm a sharp decline in many pollinator species in recent years. Honey Bees Play a Role In Our Health & Lifestyle Source 1 VAT No. All Possible Reasons. Many are learning how to make beehives and contribute as much as they can to help save bees, specifically those in critical danger of extinction, such as the Megachile cypricola or Bombus rubriventris. While to many they are simply the fuzzy flying insects we see darting among the flowers during the warmer months, bees are actually so much more than this, and have an important part to play in maintaining our planet. In many occasions beekeepers move their beehives to crops far from their original environment. Why Bees are Important. The most important of these are the Bumble & Honey bees. Balance different ecosystems factors that are causing this rapid decline also had a huge on... And pollinate plants that create the food that we rely on bees save them bees many plant species would be! Colorful flowers later than expected animals, in cosmetics, and flowers meaning flowers may bloom earlier or later expected... How important this creature is to our planet, and animals to spread the pollen immensely to... To trees and Woodland the main cause of bee population important to the ecosystem other pollinators ) important... 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