Bumblebees

Bumblebees are important pollinators. Due to the frequent use of pesticides, the disappearance of flowers and the prevention of diseases, they have a difficult time. Research shows that climate change poses an additional threat on top of that.

For many species, their range is slowly but surely shifting northwards. There it is cooler, and they can find suitable habitat again. We also call these species 'climate refugees'. However, several bumblebee species do not appear to be moving north, but at the same time lose parts of their southern range due to extreme heat, drought,... They fail to colonize areas that were previously too cold now that they are becoming more suitable. Their habitat is thus becoming smaller and smaller, which contributes to the decline of this species group.

Source: Annelies Jacobs (Natuurpunt Studie)

Natuuracademie